Trump Denies Pardon for Former FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried Amid Appeals
Written by Ohris M. Greyoon, Blockchain & Crypto Expert
Source: Coinmarketcap
Updated: Jan 09 2026- Pardon Possibility Diminished: Trump explicitly ruled out a pardon for former FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried during a New York Times interview, meaning he will remain incarcerated during ongoing appeals, further narrowing expectations for presidential intervention in major financial crime cases.
- Political Donations Impact: Bankman-Fried's contributions of millions to Democratic campaigns during the 2020 election cycle are seen as undermining his chances for clemency, particularly given Trump's opposition at that time.
- Sentence and Financial Penalties: Convicted of conspiracy and fraud, Bankman-Fried received a 25-year prison sentence, which was reduced by over four years for good behavior; however, his case has sparked one of the largest scandals in digital asset history, resulting in significant losses for customers and investors.
- Legal Appeals Ongoing: Despite slim chances for clemency, Bankman-Fried's lawyers are appealing the sentence in federal court, with the outcome still pending, indicating his continued legal battle amidst contrasting outcomes for other former FTX executives who received lighter sentences through cooperation.
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.
