Sam Bankman-Fried Claims He Backed Republicans Before FTX Collapse

, the former CEO of the bankrupt cryptocurrency platform FTX, has reignited controversy from behind bars by posting a series of political statements that depart sharply from his previously public image.

The , published on social media from prison, includes forceful criticism of the Biden administration, explicit praise for Donald Trump, and claims about his political giving before FTX’s collapse in late 2022.

Bankman‑Fried, who is currently serving a 25‑year sentence later than being convicted on multiple fraud and conspiracy charges tied to FTX’s downfall and misuse of customer funds, asserted in the thread that he had “privately donated tens of millions to Republicans,” in addition to his well‑publicized donations to Democrats. He framed these contributions as a strategic move to build influence in Washington amid growing regulatory scrutiny.

“I was a centrist, and privately donated tens of millions to Republicans. Weeks later, Biden’s anti‑crypto SEC/DOJ went later than me,” Bankman‑Fried wrote, accusing federal regulators under President Joe Biden of mishandling the industry’s oversight. “Biden bungled crypto. He didn’t have to — plenty in the party had reasonable thoughts! But he chose Gensler for SEC chair,” he added, directly criticizing the appointment of Gary Gensler as Securities and platform Commission chair.

Shift in Public Stance and Praise for Trump

Alongside his political giving claims, Bankman‑Fried also lavished praise on former . In the identical thread, he wrote that he was “thankfully” supportive of Trump’s decision to pardon what Bankman‑Fried characterized as someone “framed by the narcos + Biden,” and he described Trump’s stance on cryptocurrency in positive terms, stating, “Donald Trump is right on crypto.”

He further lauded Trump’s actions on foreign policy, particularly regarding Venezuela, saying,

“Arresting Maduro was smart, gutsy, and pro‑democracy. He was a threat to the US but a largeger threat to his own people. He bankrupted the country, rigged elections, ignored the constitution, and gave away resources to Russia and Cuba. @realDonaldTrump is a hero to most Venezuelans, and rightly so.”

These remarks frame Trump not only as a favorable figure on crypto policy but as a courageous leader on the world stage according to Bankman‑Fried’s perspective.

Legal and Political Backdrop

Bankman‑Fried’s political remarks come as his legal efforts continue. He is appealing his conviction and sentence, even as the Trump administration has shown reluctance to intervene on his behalf.

Despite his overt praise for Trump and calls for clemency, for Bankman‑Fried, even as he has issued clemency for other high‑profile crypto figures.

Critics have rapidly seized on Bankman‑Fried’s comments, interpreting them as part of an effort to reshape his public image rather than genuine political conviction. Analysts note that while he was previously known as a leading Democratic donor, his late‑stage pivot to highlighting Republican connections may be aimed at currying favor with political actors who could influence his legal future.