00:00Disgraced FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried has formally applied for a presidential pardon
00:05from President Donald Trump while serving a 25-year prison sentence for fraud related
00:11to the collapse of the cryptocurrency exchange. Court records show the clemency request is now
00:17pending before the U.S. Justice Department's pardon office. The move marks a remarkable
00:22political reversal for Bankman-Fried, who was once among the largest donors to Democratic causes,
00:28but has recently sought support from conservative circles and publicly praised Trump administration
00:33policies. The pardon effort comes as he continues to challenge his conviction through the courts,
00:39although a federal appeals court has now upheld the verdict, calling the evidence against him
00:44overwhelming. Trump previously indicated he had no plans to pardon Bankman-Fried,
00:49leaving the former crypto billionaire's chances uncertain.
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