Sam Bankman-Fried’s parents, Joseph Bankman and Barbara Fried, are exploring the possibility of a presidential pardon from Donald Trump for their son. Notably, Bankman-Fried is currently serving a 25-year sentence for fraud related to the collapse of the crypto exchange FTX.
SBF Parents Seek Pardon for Son
Joseph, a renowned tax law expert, and Barbara, a contracts and legal theory specialist, are likely leveraging their professional networks to explore options for their son’s pardon. According to a Bloomberg report, they had meetings with lawyers and figures close to Trump; however, it’s unclear if they have directly contacted the White House regarding the pardon.
It’s crucial to note that their efforts are not uncommon. Many white-collar defendants are also seeking pardons from Trump. Jeffrey Grant, a legal expert, reports receiving around 100 inquiries about pardons, showing the growing interest in the area.
Meanwhile, Alan Dershowitz, a renowned Harvard Law School professor, has been in high demand lately, with many people seeking his help in obtaining clemency from Trump. He has an impressive track record, having successfully assisted at least 12 people in receiving grants of clemency from Trump during his first term.
Will Bankman-Fried Get Pardon From Trump?
Trump’s history of granting pardons, including the recent pardon of Silk Road founder Ross Ulbricht, has fueled speculation about Bankman-Fried’s chances. However, it’s important to note that Ulbricht’s case was perceived as state overreach, which might not directly apply to Bankman-Fried’s situation.
Unlike the Silk Road founder’s case, Bankman-Fried lacks widespread public support. His case has drawn attention because he claims his sentence was “draconian” since most FTX customers have recovered their lost funds.
It’s unclear whether Trump will grant him a pardon. However, the odds are currently around 8%, according to Kalshi, a betting market. While this is a long shot, it’s clear that Bankman-Fried’s parents are leaving no stone unturned in their efforts to reduce their son’s sentence.
Not the First
Rumors about Sam Bankman-Fried’s potential pardon have been circulating for a while, especially during Biden’s final days in office. Elon Musk’s comment that he would be “shocked” if Bankman-Fried did not receive a pardon added fuel to the speculation.
Bankman-Fried’s history as a top Democratic Party donor, contributing $5.2 million to Biden’s 2020 presidential campaign, had raised concerns that his political connections could influence a potential pardon.
