Sam Bankman-Fried, the founder of collapsed crypto exchange FTX, has formally filed a clemency petition with President Donald Trump while serving a 25-year prison sentence for fraud and conspiracy. The application appeared Monday in U.S. Department of Justice records as pending. Bankman-Fried confirmed his interest in a pardon in a recent Fox Business interview, stating it is 'ultimately up to the president.' His parents have reportedly contacted Trump's orbit to explore possibilities. The petition follows months of public statements where Bankman-Fried aligned with Trump's positions, including praising strikes against Iran and lower gasoline prices. Trump has pardoned several crypto figures since returning to office, including Ross Ulbricht and Changpeng Zhao, but told The New York Times in January that Bankman-Fried should not count on clemency. The case highlights the uncertainty of presidential pardons for high-profile defendants.

Key facts

• Sam Bankman-Fried filed a clemency petition with President Trump while serving 25 years for FTX fraud.
• The petition is listed as pending by the DOJ's Office of the Pardon Attorney.
• SBF confirmed his interest in a pardon during a Fox Business interview.
• Trump has pardoned crypto figures like Ross Ulbricht and CZ, but warned SBF not to count on clemency.
• Bankman-Fried has aligned with Trump's positions in recent public statements.