(AsiaGameHub) – By: Gavin Thorne, an investigative journalist tracking special interests and legislative affairs based in Washington, D.C.
Sam Bankman-Fried’s move to seek a pardon from Trump adds a wild card to the biggest crypto fraud case in US history. It’s a bold play, but the odds seem stacked.
Bankman-Fried is serving a 25 – year federal prison sentence after a 2023 fraud conviction. His 2026 pardon request is pending, described as a “pardon after completion of sentence.” Before this formal request, he tried reaching out to those close to Trump. In March 2025, he spoke with a Trump – tied lawyer, contacted lobbyists, and did an interview with Tucker Carlson. At that time, crypto lobbyists gave it a “near zero” chance.
Trump has publicly said he has “no intention of pardoning” Bankman – Fried. The White House declined to comment. Trump issued many pardons and commutations in his second term, but this case seems different. A presidential pardon can remove some legal consequences, but it won’t erase the conviction facts or end related civil and financial disputes.
With Trump’s stance and the gravity of the fraud, Bankman – Fried’s pardon hopes are likely to be dashed.
Author bio: Gavin Thorne, an investigative journalist in D.C. tracking special interests and legislative affairs.