FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried has formally applied for a presidential pardon after his 2024 conviction for fraud. The disgraced crypto CEO seeks clemency "after completion of sentence," rather than early release from his 25-year prison term. This move comes as Bankman-Fried simultaneously pursues an appeal and retrial to overturn his conviction.

Bankman-Fried's legal team continues efforts to challenge the fraud charges that led to his downfall following FTX's collapse in 2022. The application follows his sentencing last year, where prosecutors successfully argued he misused billions in customer funds. His pardon request represents another attempt to avoid responsibility for one of crypto's largest financial frauds.

The Trump administration has shown particular leniency toward cryptocurrency figures, with Binance founder Changpeng Zhao receiving a pardon last year. When asked about Bankman-Fried specifically, Trump stated he had no intention of offering clemency to the former crypto executive. The pardon application faces significant political obstacles given the high-profile nature of the case.