2026-01-09 22:21:45

At the beginning of 2026, the most suspenseful question in the crypto world finally has an answer. U.S. President Trump, in an exclusive media interview, decisively ruled out the possibility of pardoning FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried (SBF). This decision not only shattered SBF's family's years of hope but also marked the end of the industry's biggest fraud case.

**Why can't SBF "get away" with it?**

The key lies in the fundamentally different nature of the issues. The founder of a major exchange was involved in compliance-related problems, whereas SBF was convicted on seven counts of fraud—misappropriating customer funds, leading thousands of investors to lose everything. Even though the Trump administration's attitude toward the crypto industry was friendly, crossing the financial bottom line is an absolute taboo.

There's also an unavoidable topic: SBF was once a major donor to the Democratic Party. Although he has started to "lean toward" Trump in prison and even criticized the Biden administration, this "sudden shift" clearly isn't enough to whitewash his past political identity. Plus, SBF's appeal process is still ongoing, and the White House's decision to publicly refuse is essentially to avoid the suspicion of interfering with the judiciary.

**How did the market react?**

When rumors of SBF's sentence being shortened to 2044 surfaced, his parents even tried to leverage connections and reach out to people close to Trump for a last-ditch effort. But today's statement is essentially a final closure to that political redemption path. SBF will ultimately have to settle in a federal prison in California.

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StableBoi

· 11h ago

Haha, SBF really has no hope now. Trying to redeem himself through politics? Wishful thinking. --- Honestly, can misappropriating customer funds be the same as compliance issues? You can't touch the bottom line at all. --- The Democratic Party's financial backer identity can't be washed clean. No use in last-minute efforts. --- Sitting through 2044, this is truly the endgame. No suspense left. --- Pity his parents are still struggling; they should have realized the reality long ago. --- That's why the founders of projects you support are the most important; don't end up like SBF with a scandal. --- Stay in California prison; no one will save you if you keep causing trouble. --- The bottom line of finance is really untouchable. Even Trump wouldn't dare to touch this. --- Seven counts of fraud; no amount of money can save you. Deserved it.

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JustHereForAirdrops

· 11h ago

Really, no matter how much money is involved, you can't wash away the fraud. If the prison is rotten, just let it be. SBF's recent move truly cut off his own escape route. Trying to turn things around by switching parties? Dream on. Tens of thousands of people lost their life savings, and you still want a pardon? What a joke. Even Trump, being friendly, has to draw the line. This is what you call self-inflicted. Why bother questioning if you knew today what you did yesterday? Embezzling client funds and still hoping to walk away unscathed? By the way, a 2044 sentence is really something. This guy really needs to retire inside. No wonder his parents were so anxious back then. Now they've completely given up. Financial fraud is always a taboo. Crypto friendliness does not mean everything can be washed. A Democratic donor turning against Biden? This shift is a bit too abrupt... Who would believe it? Now there's no chance for a pardon. SBF is truly finished.

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SchrödingersNode

· 11h ago

The only suspense is when his parents will finally give up.

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RunWithRugs

· 11h ago

Haha, trying to turn things around with political status? Still too naive. SBF really has no chance this time; seven counts of fraud are no joke. The Democratic Party benefactor suddenly turns into a Trump supporter—such an operation is indeed brilliant. Misappropriating customer funds, even Trump can't touch this line. Wait until 2044, there are no more miracles. By the way, I wonder what this guy's mindset is in prison now... Dream of a pardon shattered, serves him right. Tens of thousands of investors' hard-earned money just gone—really disgusting. Once a trading platform guru, now fallen to this point—it's a shame for the industry.

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NestedFox