Trump Declines to Pardon FTX Founder Bankman-Fried, 25-Year Sentence Stands
Written by Ohris M. Greyoon, Blockchain & Crypto Expert
Source: Coinmarketcap
Updated: Jan 09 2026- Pardon Declined: In an interview with The New York Times, Trump stated he has no intention of pardoning Sam Bankman-Fried, who is serving a 25-year sentence for his role in the FTX collapse, indicating a lack of support that could further tarnish his reputation in the crypto sector.
- Sentencing Context: Bankman-Fried has been incarcerated since August 2023 and was sentenced in March 2024 on seven felony counts related to the misuse of billions in customer funds, marking one of the largest criminal prosecutions in crypto history and highlighting the increasing scrutiny of the industry.
- Comparative Sentences: Unlike Bankman-Fried, other executives involved in the FTX collapse, such as Caroline Ellison and Ryan Salame, received reduced sentences after cooperating with prosecutors, which underscores the legal system's emphasis on cooperation and may influence future compliance behaviors in the industry.
- Political Ramifications: Trump acknowledged that his pro-crypto stance has politically benefited him, yet his refusal to pardon Bankman-Fried may undermine confidence among his crypto supporters, reflecting the complex interplay between politics and the cryptocurrency landscape.
About the author
Ohris M. Greyoon
Ohris M. Greyoon holds a Master’s in Computer Science from MIT and has 10 years of experience in blockchain technology and cryptocurrency markets. A pioneer in decentralized finance (DeFi) analysis, he leads Intellectia’s Crypto News, offering cutting-edge insights into digital assets.
