Trump Will Not Grant Clemency To Former FTX Chief Sam Bankman Fried

Sam Bankman Fried is attempting to reshape public image while serving a federal prison sentence, but efforts to obtain a presidential pardon have not gained support from Donald Trump or the White House.

Recent activity shows a shift in messaging from the former crypto executive, who now criticizes federal courts and expresses views aligned with themes popular among Trump supporters.

Good to Know

• Sam Bankman Fried is serving a 25 year federal sentence tied to the collapse of FTX
• White House says no pardon is being considered
• Legal appeals remain active in federal court

Pardon Effort Gains Attention But No Political Backing

Reports indicate that Sam Bankman Fried has used social media channels, through approved intermediaries, to attack the judiciary and praise Donald Trump. Posts have included criticism of Judge Lewis Kaplan, the judge who imposed the 25 year sentence, along with claims of political bias.

In one message, Sam Bankman Fried applauded Trump for opposing what he described as activist judges.

The messaging represents a sharp change in tone. Before the collapse of FTX, Sam Bankman Fried ranked among the largest donors to Democratic causes and maintained close relationships with policy figures in Washington.

Strategy Seen As Attempt To Secure Clemency

Observers believe the rhetorical shift is designed to appeal to Trump, who returned to office in January 2025 and has adjusted parts of earlier federal crypto enforcement policy. The administration has already granted clemency to several financial figures, including Binance founder Changpeng Zhao.

Despite that backdrop, officials have made clear that relief for Sam Bankman Fried is not under consideration. A White House spokesperson referenced earlier statements from Trump saying he has no intention of issuing a pardon to the former FTX leader or other high profile inmates tied to major fraud cases.

Appeal Process Continues While Public Campaign Plays Out

Sam Bankman Fried is still pursuing an appeal of the conviction while remaining active online through proxy communications allowed by prison authorities. Supportive commentary has circulated across social platforms, often driven by anonymous accounts, adding to debate over whether the outreach represents genuine backing or a coordinated image effort.

Legal experts say the appeal path, rather than political intervention, remains the only realistic avenue for sentence reduction.