Author: Fortune

Compiled by: Felix, PANews

Convicted cryptocurrency fraudster Sam Bankman-Fried (SBF) was once a senior donor to the Democratic Party, but his recent public statements have taken on a distinct “MAGA” (Make America Great Again) tone. In a recent manifesto posted on the X platform, he wrote: “Judge Lewis Kaplan, appointed by Clinton, showed no concealment of his political bias when sentencing me. I admire President Donald Trump for daring to confront this ‘partisan biased radical’!”

This is just one of dozens of tweets SBF has issued in recent weeks, filled with attacks on the “Deep State” and other villains of the MAGA camp. Despite being one of the most infamous financial criminals of this century currently serving a 25-year sentence in federal prison, he remains active.

Although SBF has not explicitly stated it, the purpose of his frenzied activities on social media is evident: to persuade President Donald Trump to rescue him from prison. Given that Trump has pardoned several high-profile figures convicted of financial crimes, including SBF's former rival Binance founder Changpeng Zhao (CZ), this strategy seems logical.

However, for SBF, his appeal to Trump for pardon appears to be in vain. In response to recent social media support activities, a White House spokesperson reiterated to Fortune that Trump has no intention of pardoning SBF.

In an email, the spokesperson referred to Trump's comments made in January of this year. At that time, the president stated clearly that he does not intend to pardon SBF and several other high-profile inmates, including former New Jersey Senator Robert Menendez and ousted Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The spokesperson wrote: “The president is the final arbiter of all pardons.”

SBF’s lawyers did not respond to the matter.

Failed Attempts

SBF has long been a supporter of progressive causes, with parents who are law professors at Stanford University and considerable influence within the Democratic Party. But when SBF’s fraudulent crypto empire collapsed in November 2022, the founder began to plot a move to the right. In a private document revealed during the trial, SBF wrote that he plans to appear on the conservative television host Tucker Carlson's show and “present himself as a Republican.”

On the surface, this strategy seems reasonable, especially given the current political environment. Trump will take office in January 2025 and has promised to roll back Biden’s crackdown on cryptocurrencies. Under Trump's leadership, regulators have dropped key lawsuits against blockchain companies and the Justice Department has changed its enforcement approach towards cryptocurrencies.

However, Washington insiders say that SBF's identity as a top donor to Biden, combined with his continued notoriety in the crypto industry, makes his chances for a pardon slim. Even last year, when he appeared without approval on Tucker Carlson's show (reportedly resulting in his confinement), it failed to turn the tide.

Despite the slim chances, SBF has not given up; he is also appealing in the federal appellate court to overturn his conviction. His X account is filled with various posts promoting his newly acquired conservative identity, which critics have labeled “puppet accounts.” (In his profile, SBF clarified that he communicates content to his agent for posting through phone calls and emails approved by the prison system.)

One of his recent posts stated: “Democrats love to censor ‘misinformation’ on social media,” followed by praise for Trump’s campaign agenda. “Truth Social and GETTR always prioritize free speech.”

Related reading: SBF's first interview in prison: I was targeted by the Justice Department for donating to the Republicans, begging President Trump for a pardon

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