Summary: In a behind-bars interview, FTX’s former CEO Sam Bankman-Fried spoke about his political affiliations, life in prison, and ongoing court theatrics. He claimed to be nearer to Republicans than everyone assumed and stood up for former colleague Ryan Salame. Bankman-Fried’s legal team is appealing his 25-year sentence while his parents seek a presidential pardon.
Sam Bankman-Fried marked his 33rd birthday in prison with a candid interview, reflecting on his conviction, political ties, and life behind bars. Speaking to Tucker Carlson on March of this year, the former FTX CEO insisted he wasn’t a criminal and argued that charges against ex-colleague Ryan Salame were politically driven due to Salame’s Republican affiliations.
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Despite his well-known donations to Democrats, Bankman-Fried claimed he had a better relationship with Republicans in Washington than the public realized. He is currently serving a 25-year sentence at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center, where he mostly eats rice and beans and has had no contact with former FTX employees.
Sorry for those colleagues who collaborated with prosecutors, he maintained that the majority had no choice but to comply. His attorneys appealed, and his parents are said to be pursuing a potential presidential pardon by Donald Trump.
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The 2022 FTX collapse led to multiple convictions, with Bankman-Fried now awaiting the outcome of his appeal as legal processes continue.