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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