FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried seeks presidential pardon from Trump
The request, reported by CNBC on 8 June 2026, marks a new development in the legal saga surrounding the collapsed exchange, as the US President faces heightened security scrutiny following recent attempts on his life.
Sam Bankman-Fried, the convicted founder of the now-defunct cryptocurrency exchange FTX, has filed a formal request for a presidential pardon from Donald Trump. The filing places the former executive, who is currently serving a 25-year federal prison sentence, in direct contact with the current US President regarding the potential for clemency.
The request was reported by CNBC on 8 June 2026. While the submission of the formal application marks a procedural step in Bankman-Fried’s legal journey, the source material does not disclose the specific legal arguments or grounds presented within the petition. Consequently, the outcome of the request remains unknown, with no indication whether the President has granted, denied, or is actively considering the application.
Bankman-Fried’s incarceration follows his conviction for his role in the collapse of FTX, a major event in the digital asset sector that resulted in significant losses for investors and triggered increased regulatory scrutiny across capital markets. The 25-year sentence reflects the severity of the federal charges brought against him, underscoring the legal consequences of the exchange’s failure.
This development occurs against a backdrop of heightened security concerns in Washington. Recent events have included an attempted assassination at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner attended by President Trump. Federal investigators have confirmed that the gunman intended to assassinate the President and several top officials, leading to increased scrutiny of security protocols at high-profile political gatherings.
The juxtaposition of a high-profile pardon request and recent security threats highlights the complex political and legal landscape in which Bankman-Fried’s case now resides. As the request moves through the executive branch, market participants and legal observers will be watching for any signals regarding the administration’s stance on clemency for convicted financial offenders.
