DeKalb GA News

Joseph Bankman and Barbara Fried, parents of the imprisoned former FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried, are reportedly attempting to secure a pardon for their son from President Donald Trump. This development comes amid reports that Sam Bankman-Fried was a significant donor to the Democratic Party, raising questions about the potential success of such efforts.

Breitbart News recently reported on this matter, stating: "The parents of disgraced former FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried are reportedly scheming to get Sam pardoned by President Donald Trump." It is alleged that Joseph Bankman and Barbara Fried have engaged with lawyers and individuals within Trump's circle in pursuit of clemency for their son.

Sam Bankman-Fried was sentenced last March to 25 years in prison after being convicted on multiple charges including conspiracy and wire fraud. He has since argued that his sentence was excessively harsh given that most FTX customers have recovered their lost funds.

Additionally, Ryan Salame, another former FTX executive who received a prison sentence exceeding seven years, is also seeking a pardon. Despite these efforts, skepticism remains regarding whether President Trump would consider granting clemency. Critics argue that doing so could be politically damaging due to Bankman-Fried's previous support for Trump's political opponents.

Commentators on social media platforms have expressed strong opinions against the idea of a pardon. One user tweeted: "Under no circumstances should President Trump pardon this guy." Another added: "Trump giving him a pardon would be the worst unforced error of his political career."

Joseph Bankman and Barbara Fried may have initially hoped for leniency from a different administration had Kamala Harris won the presidential election. However, with those hopes dashed by voters' decisions, they now look toward an uncertain path forward in seeking relief for their son.