From Crypto King to Pardon-Seeking Prisoner: SBF's Final Gamble Fails

比推Published on 2026-02-25Last updated on 2026-02-25

Abstract

Sam Bankman-Fried (SBF), the convicted cryptocurrency fraudster and former major Democratic donor, has recently adopted a pro-Trump and MAGA-aligned rhetoric in a series of social media posts from prison, where he is serving a 25-year sentence. He publicly praised Donald Trump and criticized what he called a politically biased judicial system, aiming to seek a presidential pardon. Despite his efforts to align with conservative causes and even appearing on Tucker Carlson’s show, the Trump administration has explicitly stated it has no intention of pardoning SBF. His shift to the right—including attacks on the “deep state” and endorsements of free speech platforms like Truth Social—is seen as a strategic yet futile attempt to gain freedom, given his history as a top Biden donor and his notorious reputation in the crypto industry. SBF continues to appeal his conviction while maintaining an active, proxy-managed presence on X.

Author: Fortune

Compiled by: Felix, PANews

Original Title: "Startled from a dying illness," SBF desperately flatters Trump for pardon but gets rejected

Convicted cryptocurrency fraudster Sam Bankman-Fried (SBF) was once a major donor to the Democratic Party, but his recent public statements have taken on a distinct "MAGA" (Make America Great Again) flavor. In a recent manifesto posted on the X platform, he wrote: "Judge Lewis Kaplan, appointed by Clinton, showed no hesitation in revealing his political bias when sentencing me. I admire President Donald Trump because he dares to stand against this 'biased, out-of-control radical'!"

This is just one of dozens of tweets SBF has posted in recent weeks, filled with attacks on the "Deep State" and other MAGA villains. Despite being one of the most notorious financial criminals of the century, currently serving a 25-year sentence in federal prison, he remains active.

Although SBF has not explicitly stated it, the purpose of his social media frenzy is obvious: to persuade President Donald Trump to free him from prison. Given that Trump has pardoned several high-profile individuals convicted of financial crimes, including SBF's former rival, Binance founder Changpeng Zhao (CZ), this strategy seems logical.

However, for SBF, his plea for Trump's mercy appears futile. In response to recent social media advocacy, a White House spokesperson reiterated to Fortune magazine that Trump has no intention of pardoning SBF.

In an email, the spokesperson referenced Trump's remarks in January of this year, when the president clearly stated that he does not plan to pardon SBF or several other high-profile prisoners, including former New Jersey Senator Robert Menendez and ousted Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The spokesperson wrote: "The president is the final arbiter of all pardon matters."

SBF's lawyers did not respond to this matter.

Failed Attempt

SBF has long been a supporter of progressive causes. His parents are Stanford law professors with considerable influence among top Democrats. But when SBF's fraudulent crypto empire collapsed in November 2022, the founder began planning a shift to the right. During the trial, a private document revealed that SBF planned to appear on conservative TV host Tucker Carlson's show and "come out as a Republican."

On the surface, this strategy seemed reasonable, especially in the current political climate. Trump is set to take office in January 2025 and has promised to roll back the Biden administration's crackdown on cryptocurrencies. Under Trump's leadership, regulators have withdrawn key lawsuits against blockchain companies, and the Department of Justice has shifted its approach to cryptocurrency enforcement.

However, Washington insiders say that SBF's status as a top donor to Biden, combined with his continued notoriety in the crypto industry, makes his pardon plea a long shot. Even his unauthorized appearance on Tucker Carlson's show last year (which reportedly landed him in solitary confinement) failed to turn the tide.

Despite the slim chances, SBF has not given up. He is also appealing his conviction in federal appellate court. His X account is filled with posts promoting his newly adopted conservative identity, which critics have dubbed a "puppet account." (In his bio, SBF clarifies that he conveys content to agents via Bureau of Prisons-approved phones and emails for posting.)

His recent post reads: "Democrats love to censor 'misinformation' on social media," followed by praise for Trump's campaign platform. "Truth Social and GETTR have always prioritized free speech."

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Related Questions

QWhat was the main reason SBF (Sam Bankman-Fried) started publicly supporting Donald Trump and MAGA ideology?

ASBF started publicly supporting Donald Trump and the MAGA ideology in an attempt to seek a presidential pardon from Trump, hoping to be released from his 25-year prison sentence for cryptocurrency fraud.

QAccording to the article, what was the White House's response to SBF's attempts to gain a pardon?

AA White House spokesperson stated that President Trump has no intention of pardoning SBF, reiterating Trump's earlier position from January that he would not pardon SBF or other high-profile prisoners.

QHow did SBF's political affiliations change after the collapse of his crypto empire in November 2022?

AAfter the collapse of his crypto empire, SBF began to shift towards the right wing. He planned to appear on conservative commentator Tucker Carlson's show and present himself as a Republican, despite previously being a major donor to the Democratic Party.

QWhat method does SBF use to post on social media while in federal prison?

ASBF posts on social media by relaying content through an agent using a phone and email approved by the Bureau of Prisons, as clarified in his profile.

QBesides his appeal in federal appellate court, what other action is SBF taking to try to overturn his conviction?

ABesides his legal appeal, SBF is actively posting on social media to promote his newly adopted conservative identity and criticize his perceived political enemies, in a continued effort to seek a pardon.

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