‘I’ll be shocked IF…’ – Elon Musk reacts to Biden pardoning FTX Founder rumours

  • Rumors of a presidential pardon for FTX’s founder have emerged 
  • Fluctuating odds and public speculation continue to surround the potential pardon

As a seasoned crypto investor with a knack for navigating the ever-shifting tides of the digital asset market, I find myself both intrigued and apprehensive by the recent rumors circulating about Sam Bankman-Fried’s potential pardon.

Despite discussions about refunding over 119% of the claimed amount to most ex-FTX users, speculation about Sam Bankman-Fried’s future has grown more intense. It’s even being whispered that he might receive a presidential pardon from Joe Biden.

What are the rumors circulating about the FTX founder?

Previously, it was anticipated that Sam Bankman-Fried, the former leader of the collapsed FTX trading platform, could spend up to 25 years behind bars due to his involvement in the exchange’s downfall. However, with his lawyers working towards a lenient sentence, the bankruptcy hearing slated for January 2025 may significantly impact this outcome.

It’s important to point out that the U.S. administration is advocating for a prison term between 40 and 50 years. On the other hand, his legal team is requesting only a six-year sentence.

Furthermore, some people question if Bankman-Fried’s significant funding towards the Democratic Party could potentially influence the results due to his political ties.

Elon Musk weighs in

Remarking on the same, Wall Street Mav posted on X and noted, 

“Guess who might get an early pardon from President Biden.” 

The article contained a query regarding possible political links, accompanied by photos featuring both Sam Bankman-Fried and President Joe Biden. Notably, it underscored Bankman-Fried’s position as the second-largest contributor to the Democratic party.

This disclosure ignited a flurry of responses across the cryptocurrency sector. Remarkable comments emerged, among them was a statement from Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, expressing his thoughts about the matter.

“I will be shocked if this doesn’t happen.”

Polymarket odds

After Elon Musk suggested the possibility of a pardon for Bankman-Fried, the odds on Polymarket increased by 9%, going from 4% to 13%. However, as of the current news update, the odds have dropped again and are now at 7%.

The changes in the situation have underscored the doubt about the gossip, making it unclear how Sam Bankman-Fried’s story will unfold. To be honest, President Biden hasn’t provided any hints that he plans to issue a pardon for Bankman-Fried.

And yet, public concerns remain high, especially given the recent pardon of his son, Hunter Biden, just weeks ago—contradicting previous promises. 

Moreover, Nishad Singh, ex-Engineering Director at FTX, escaping jail time due to extensive collaboration instead, has fueled apprehensions about responsibility and regulatory supervision within the cryptocurrency market.

Impact on the crypto space

Discussions about the possibility of a presidential pardon for Sam Bankman-Fried underscore the growing complexities within the crypto industry. With fraudulent activities and cyber attacks on the upswing, it’s crucial that regulatory bodies take a careful and thorough stance when dealing with similar situations.

Furthermore, it’s clear that we require a regulatory structure that is both fair and equitable, one capable of fostering industry expansion whilst managing its underlying risks.

If Donald Trump wins the presidency again and appoints Paul Atkins as the new chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), there’s optimism that the crypto sector could experience a friendlier regulatory environment.

Nevertheless, there remains apprehension, particularly considering President Biden’s earlier pardon extended to his son. This action has sparked doubts regarding the direction of regulatory supervision in the sector moving forward.

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2024-12-25 08:39