Crypto King in Prison Is Asking Trump for a Pardon

Sat Jun 13 2026 11:40:35 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Sam Bankman‑Fried wants a pardon from former President Trump. What could that mean for the crypto world?

The former FTX founder, Sam Bankman‑Fried, is seeking a pardon from former President Donald Trump after being sentenced to 25 years in prison for fraud. The pardon would wipe his convictions once he finishes serving his sentence, not cut the time already served. Trump’s pardon history includes various high‑profile figures and a stand‑by response to this new request amid a backlog of over 20,000 pardon applications. The move could have implications for the crypto industry, reminding investors that rapid growth may conceal serious legal risks.

Crypto king in prison is asking Trump for a pardon

The former FTX boss, Sam Bankman‑Fried, has hit jail for 25 years after fraud charges. Now, two years in, he’s filing for a pardon from former President Donald Trump.

If the pardon is granted, the court would erase the convictions once he completes his sentence — it wouldn’t cut the time he’s already serving.

Bankman‑Fried’s appeal has been a headline since FTX collapsed in 2022. He says he’s innocent, but prosecutors say he misused customer funds for personal bets.

Trump’s pardon record is varied. He issued dozens of clemencies after his 2021 term, including for Capitol protestors and other high‑profile figures. Earlier this year, Trump said he would not pardon the crypto mogul.

The request joins a pile of over 20,000 pardon and commutation applications. A White House spokesperson declined comment, and a lawyer for Bankman‑Fried has yet to respond.

What does this mean for the crypto world?

If the pardon goes through, it could clean the record for a former crypto titan – but the 25‑year jail term remains until he finishes it. For fans and investors, it’s a reminder that the crypto boom may have hidden deep legal risks.