Senate Rejects Pardon Bid for Sam Bankman-Fried Amid FTX Fraud Case

The US Senate has passed a resolution condemning efforts by former FTX co-founder Sam Bankman-Fried to secure a pardon for his crimes. The resolution, which was approved by unanimous consent on July 16, 2026, calls for Bankman-Fried 'to under no circumstances' receive clemency, including a pardon or commutation. This move comes after Bankman-Fried was sentenced to 25 years in prison for fraud and other charges related to the collapse of cryptocurrency exchange FTX.

The resolution was introduced by Senators Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) and Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.) last month, who described the move as 'affirming the Senate's commitment to the rule of law'. The declaration is seen as a rebuke to any potential pardon or commutation efforts on behalf of Bankman-Fried.