Disgraced FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried reignited controversy from prison after publicly endorsing the CLARITY bill, calling it a “huge milestone for crypto” and a “huge achievement” for Donald Trump.
Sam Bankman-Fried supports CLARITY Act, draws swift reprimands from Lummis and Warren
In an article on He suggested that Gensler “helped Biden’s DOJ put me behind bars,” reviving familiar allegations that his case was politically influenced.
The comments quickly sparked a bipartisan backlash.
Sen. Cynthia Lummis responded sharply, writing, “Someone is looking for a pardon and doesn’t realize that the CLARITY Act would force you to be locked up for well over 25 years. »
She added that her crypto legislation differs fundamentally from what she described as the bill that Bankman-Fried “tried to buy Congress” in 2022. “We don’t need — or want — your support,” she said.
Sen. Elizabeth Warren also weighed in, warning that Bankman-Fried’s support should “set off alarm bells.” Warren reiterated her position that any legislation on crypto market structure must prioritize investor protection and financial stability.
Bankman-Fried, who is serving a lengthy federal sentence following his conviction for the collapse of FTX, has recently attempted to re-enter public discourse through media outreach and social media comments. Previous efforts to influence political opinion, including Trump-related outreach, have largely failed to gain traction.
The episode shows the heightened political sensitivity surrounding crypto regulation, particularly as lawmakers debate market structure reforms amid lingering fallout from FTX’s multibillion-dollar collapse.