FTX Fallout Reaches Campaign Finance Law in Michelle Bond Trial

Michelle Bond's trial for alleged campaign finance violations tied to FTX has been set for November 9, following a Manhattan federal judge's order. The case marks a new development in the FTX crypto fallout, extending beyond exchange executives and into U.S. campaign finance law.

The indictment alleges that Bond received unlawful support during her House campaign in New York's 1st congressional district, with prosecutors treating a $400,000 payment from Salame as a corporate contribution disguised as campaign-related income. This case is significant as it tests whether FTX-linked money entered U.S. politics through unlawful channels.

The trial is expected to examine documents, transfers, campaign disclosures, and the alleged consulting arrangement between Bond's campaign and FTX Digital Markets' former co-CEO Ryan Salame. Prosecutors have cleared the dismissal hurdle before trial, leaving Bond to fight the charges at trial rather than through dismissal.