White House Considers 250 Crypto-Focused Pardons for July 4, 2026
The White House is considering roughly 250 presidential pardons to mark America's 250th birthday, with a significant focus on crypto industry figures, according to the Wall Street Journal. This symbolic batch, potentially announced around July 4, 2026, follows Trump's second-term trend of granting clemency to crypto defendants, including Binance founder Changpeng Zhao, BitMEX co-founders, and Silk Road creator Ross Ulbricht. Key candidates for clemency include Sam Bankman-Fried (FTX), Roger Ver (Bitcoin Jesus), and Joby Weeks, though Trump denied SBF's request in January. Samourai Wallet CEO Keonne Rodriguez may also be considered, as Trump said he would "look at" the case. Polymarket odds currently favor Ryan Salame (13%), SBF (11%), and Do Kwon (9%) for pardons before 2027. Critics view these pardons as transactional, while supporters see them as correcting past prosecutorial overreach. The Senate is investigating the crypto pardons, and a July 4 announcement could amplify scrutiny but also embed clemency in a celebratory national moment. Each pardon shifts the regulatory mood for crypto businesses in the US.
Key facts
- White House considers 250 pardons for July 4, 2026, with crypto cases as focus.
- Previous pardons include Binance's CZ, BitMEX founders, and Ross Ulbricht.
- Candidates: SBF, Roger Ver, Joby Weeks; Trump denied SBF in January.
- Polymarket odds: Salame 13%, SBF 11%, Do Kwon 9% for pardons by 2027.
- Senate investigating crypto pardons; critics call them transactional.