Bankman-Fried’s Parents Push for Trump Pardon After Son’s 25-Year Sentence

Sam Bankman-Fried’s parents aren’t giving up. The former crypto billionaire’s mother and father—both esteemed Stanford Law professors—are working behind closed doors to secure a presidential pardon from Donald Trump. With their son sentenced to 25 years in prison for fraud linked to FTX’s collapse, they are tapping into legal networks and Trump’s inner circle, hoping to find a way out.

Behind-the-Scenes Efforts for Clemency

Joseph Bankman and Barbara Fried are leaning on their legal expertise and connections. According to Bloomberg, they’ve been in discussions with legal advisors and individuals with ties to Trump’s orbit. The goal? A shot at clemency.

While there’s no indication they’ve reached Trump directly, their efforts reflect a larger movement—one where high-profile white-collar criminals seek Trump’s intervention. Clemency consultant Jeffrey Grant noted a rising trend in such requests:

“We have been hearing from people in prison, from people recently sentenced who haven’t reported to the Bureau of Prisons yet, from people who have been indicted. They are looking for somebody who knows somebody.”

That’s the nature of Trump’s pardon system. It’s not always about legal arguments—it’s about access. And Bankman-Fried’s parents know this well.

Trump’s Pardon History—Does SBF Stand a Chance?

Trump’s record on pardons has been unpredictable. But there’s a pattern.

Ross Ulbricht, the Silk Road founder, was one of the latest to benefit from Trump’s clemency. After serving 11 years for drug trafficking and money laundering, Ulbricht walked free—despite fierce opposition from law enforcement.

Bankman-Fried’s case, however, isn’t quite the same. Unlike Ulbricht, he lacks a devoted public following. His best argument for clemency? That FTX customers have largely recovered their funds, suggesting the financial harm might not be as severe as initially thought. Some legal analysts believe this could work in his favor.

Still, Trump’s advisors have shown reluctance when it comes to crimes involving violence, sex offenses, or illegal immigration. White-collar fraud cases, though? That’s murkier territory.

Crypto, Politics, and Trump’s Changing Stance

Trump’s attitude toward cryptocurrency has taken a sharp turn. Once a skeptic, he’s now openly courting the crypto industry. His campaign’s recent push for a national digital asset stockpile, led by AI and Crypto Czar David Sacks, signals a growing alliance between Trump and digital asset advocates.

Could this shift help Bankman-Fried? It’s possible. Betting markets on Kalshi saw odds of an SBF pardon jump to 8% after news of his parents’ legal push broke.

A few things working in his favor:

• His deep connections to the crypto industry.
• Trump’s willingness to pardon financial crimes in the past.
• The political value of attracting crypto supporters.

But there are hurdles too. Unlike Ulbricht, Bankman-Fried doesn’t have a grassroots movement fighting for him. His reputation took a massive hit after FTX’s collapse, and many in the industry want nothing to do with him.

The Growing List of Pardon Hopefuls

Bankman-Fried isn’t the only FTX figure hoping for clemency. Ryan Salame, a former executive at the crypto exchange, is also reportedly seeking a pardon. Salame was sentenced to seven years for campaign finance violations and unlicensed money transmitting.

Here’s a quick look at key figures in the clemency conversation:

*Pardon odds based on Kalshi betting market reports.

As Trump’s campaign gains momentum, more white-collar criminals are trying their luck. The question is—how far will Trump go with his clemency?