FTX Founder Accuses Biden Administration of Political Persecution

Sam Bankman-Fried, the former CEO of FTX, has publicly accused the Biden administration of engaging in a "political war" against him, alleging that charges brought against him are fabricated. He claims that these actions are part of a broader pattern of political harassment targeting various individuals, including Donald Trump.

1) Rule No. 1 of Biden's political lawfare:

Don't let them present evidence.

— SBF (@SBF_FTX) February 9, 2026

Bankman-Fried, who is currently serving a 25-year prison sentence, expressed his belief that he was silenced during legal proceedings overseen by Judge Lewis Kaplan, who he noted was also involved in Trump's legal battles. He argues that the Biden administration's hostility towards him is fueled by his previous support for the Democratic Party and his subsequent shift to Republican affiliations, as well as his opposition to former SEC Chair Gary Gensler.

"The Justice Department under Biden silenced me — Judge Kaplan made me silent and then imprisoned me during the proceedings," Bankman-Fried stated.

He insists that claims of FTX's insolvency are false, asserting that the company was financially stable at the time of its collapse and that he was prevented from discussing its solvency during his trial. Bankman-Fried also accused the administration of intimidating former FTX executive Ryan Salame to suppress evidence that might support his defense.

"Lawyers took control of the company, and within four hours, they filed a fake bankruptcy to loot it and take the money," he alleged.

Community Reaction

The crypto community has largely dismissed Bankman-Fried's claims. Many commentators advised him to accept his sentence, with some suggesting that he is attempting to curry favor with Trump in hopes of receiving a pardon, although Trump has already ruled out such an option. Currently, the likelihood of Trump pardoning Bankman-Fried by the end of 2026 is estimated at just 11% on Polymarket.

Bankman-Fried's assertion that FTX was solvent at the time of its collapse, claiming $25 billion in assets against $13 billion in liabilities, has also sparked skepticism among observers.