Jailed FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried has publicly backed Donald Trump’s military strikes against Iran, calling them necessary to reduce nuclear risk and degrade Iran’s military capacity.
The statement-issued via prison-approved communications-marks his latest effort to align with Trump. Earlier, Bankman-Fried credited Trump with lowering gas prices and "saving" the SEC by installing Paul Atkins as chair, easing regulatory pressure on crypto firms.
His outreach coincides with active legal efforts: a February motion for a new trial was opposed by prosecutors. Meanwhile, the FTX Recovery Trust is distributing $2.2 billion to creditors, nearing full repayment for many claimants.
Pardon precedent exists: Trump freed Silk Road founder Ross Ulbricht in early 2025. Bankman-Fried’s public messaging signals a strategic pivot beyond the courtroom.
Bankman-Fried remains incarcerated following his 25-year fraud sentence-the result of the 2022 FTX collapse, which eroded global trust in crypto markets and triggered sweeping regulatory scrutiny.