SBF’s public assist for Trump marks a pointy break from previous ties as authorized strain stays excessive.
Sam Bankman-Fried (SBF) has stepped up public reward of the present US administration. On the similar time, the FTX founder sharply criticized Joe Biden’s authorities, which he beforehand supported vocally.
His newest feedback come simply days after Caroline Ellison was launched from federal custody. A collection of public statements and media appearances has elevated hypothesis that he could also be searching for a doable pardon.
Bankman-Fried Shifts Political Tone Whereas Serving Federal Sentence
Current posts on X present the previous FTX founder backing Trump’s stance on crypto coverage. One publish mentioned Trump was “proper on crypto,” shared shortly after Ellison’s launch.
Earlier interviews with the New York Solar and political commentator Tucker Carlson added to the shift in tone. Many observers now see a sample geared toward profitable favor with the present White Home.
4) @realDonaldTrump is true on crypto. pic.twitter.com/lbX8Kbm20m
— SBF (@SBF_FTX) January 30, 2026
Former head of Alameda Analysis Ellison was not too long ago launched after serving about 14 months in jail. The previous Alameda CEO pleaded responsible to seven expenses linked to the collapse of FTX in 2022.
In the meantime, SBF was handed a 25-year sentence in March 2024 after a jury convicted him on seven felony counts. As per studies, the Second Circuit is reviewing one other associated attraction filed late final 12 months towards the previous FTX boss. For now, authorized choices stay slim as he serves time in federal jail.
Reward for Trump has gone past digital belongings and the cryptosphere at massive. Bankman-Fried backed Trump’s current arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, calling the transfer “sensible” and “gutsy.”
Feedback stood in distinction with earlier assist for Biden, whom he as soon as funded with hundreds of thousands in donations. He now claims world leaders have been pissed off with Biden’s dealing with of crypto coverage.
Crypto Regulation Debate Resurfaces as SBF Eyes Trump-Led Coverage Shift
Criticism targeted on Biden’s alternative of Gary Gensler as SEC chair. Bankman-Fried mentioned the administration “bungled crypto” by backing stricter oversight. Gensler stepped down in January 2025, simply earlier than Trump’s return to workplace. Paul Atkins later took over the position, drawing reward from many within the crypto sector.
Market watchers proceed to trace the chances of a doable pardon. In line with prediction platform Polymarket, the possibilities of Trump granting SBF clemency earlier than 2027 stand at 17%. The determine displays skepticism regardless of Bankman-Fried’s current outreach. Actually, critics nonetheless proceed to spotlight the size of losses tied to FTX.
FTX’s collapse erased roughly $8 billion in buyer funds and shook belief throughout crypto markets. Ellison and SBF have been tagged as the principle gamers within the occasions that led to the crash.
Whereas Ellison has accomplished her sentence, Bankman-Fried faces many years behind bars. Political messaging now provides a brand new chapter to a case that also shapes debate round crypto regulation in america.