Donald Trump Rules Out Pardon for FTX’s Sam Bankman-Fried

Crypto News Regulation

Written by Aaron S.,

Editor-In-Chief

Last Updated: January 09, 2026

Key Takeaways

Donald Trump confirmed no pardons for Sam Bankman-Fried, Sean Combs, or Robert Menendez, which rejected speculation of political favoritism;
Bankman-Fried, convicted on seven felonies in March 2024, continues to appeal his 25-year sentence through higher courts;
Trump acknowledged ties to crypto ventures, including Bitcoin mining firm American Bitcoin and his meme coin, Official Trump.

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Donald Trump Rules Out Pardon for FTX’s Sam Bankman-Fried

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President Donald Trump stated that there will be no pardon for former FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried, who is currently serving a 25-year sentence following the FTX collapse.

Bankman-Fried has been in custody since August 2023 after losing bail status before trial. President Trump also specified that pardons will not be given to music producer Sean Combs or former Senator Robert Menendez.

During an interview with The New York Times, President Trump responded to inquiries about potential conflicts linked to personal or family connections with cryptocurrency.

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He acknowledged involvement with the Bitcoin BTC $90,593.98 mining firm American Bitcoin BTC $90,593.98 , stablecoin platform World Liberty Financial (issuer of USD1), and the launch of his personal meme coin, Official Trump (TRUMP).

The conviction of Bankman-Fried was delivered in March 2024. The verdict included seven felony charges related to misusing customer funds.

Bankman-Fried referred to past friendly interactions with members of the Republican Party and made attempts to gain support by aligning with figures such as Tucker Carlson. Polymarket showed a 6% probability that Bankman-Fried would receive a pardon before 2027.

Despite no pardon from Trump, Bankman-Fried's legal representatives are exploring other options. Arguments for overturning the conviction were heard at the US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit in November, and the Supreme Court remains an option if required.

Meanwhile, Ilya Lichtenstein, known for his role in one of the largest Bitcoin thefts ever recorded, was released from prison. What did he say? Read the full story.