Fallen politicians and cryptocurrency leaders compete for Trump pardons: ‘The level of interest is unheard of’
A significant number of white-collar defendants are stepping forward as the president expands opportunities for clemency.
TroibNews 
President Donald Trump’s push to broaden the use of pardons has sparked significant interest among white-collar defendants, prompting them to implement innovative strategies aimed more at appealing to Trump than to traditional judicial authorities.
High-profile individuals like Sam Bankman-Fried and Bob Menendez are reportedly pursuing pardons, portraying themselves as victims of a flawed justice system in a way that resonates with Trump’s narrative.
In a related development, a Democratic District of Columbia Council member facing federal bribery charges has publicly praised Trump’s choice to lead the FBI. Additionally, a Bitcoin entrepreneur battling extradition from Spain on tax charges has recently spoken with Tucker Carlson to advocate for his case, while a Turkish businessman under federal indictment has expressed a willingness to provide investigators with details about a meeting involving former President Joe Biden’s brother—under the condition that charges against him are dismissed.
Trump’s appointment of a “pardon czar,” Alice Johnson, and the recent firing of a Justice Department lawyer who managed Biden’s pardons indicate that Trump intends to continue exercising his clemency powers. This has captured the attention of potential petitioners. Sam Mangel, a consultant to white-collar convicts who has assisted individuals like Steve Bannon and Bankman-Fried, noted that the current environment in prisons has led to increased discussions around clemency.
Defendants are navigating a shifting legal landscape, adapting to a chief executive who is less constrained by the traditional boundaries that previously governed presidential involvement in criminal justice. Mangel emphasized, however, that there are limitations on who may be considered for Trump’s pardons, specifying that undocumented immigrants and those convicted of sexual, drug-related, or violent crimes should not expect to be granted clemency.
Despite these exclusions, interest in clemency remains high. Mangel reported that he now receives two to four inquiries daily, a significant increase from the two he received in the three years prior to Trump’s election.
Crypto defendants are particularly excited about the prospect of pardons following Trump’s early tenure action to pardon Ross Ulbricht, the founder of an illegal online marketplace that utilized Bitcoin. Among these defendants is Bitcoin miner Joby Weeks, who pleaded guilty to tax evasion and an unregistered securities offering related to his activities. Weeks has since modified his legal strategy, opting to represent himself and has filed a unique motion referencing Trump’s call to “FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT!”
Weeks aims to rally support for his case by alleging extensive wrongdoing by the government, though his approach may not endear him to the judge or prosecutors involved. Nonetheless, he expresses hope that Trump might intervene in his favor.
Another Bitcoin entrepreneur, Roger Ver, has adopted a more traditional route for seeking clemency amid his tax troubles. Ver, touted as “Bitcoin Jesus” and having renounced his U.S. citizenship in favor of St. Kitts and Nevis, is currently facing a $50 million tax indictment and continues to campaign for public support, including crafting a pardon petition backed by various pro-Trump figures.
Supporters of Sam Bankman-Fried, convicted on fraud charges, are also advocating for clemency. Reports indicate that Bankman-Fried’s family has explored this path. While serving his sentence, the former crypto mogul has engaged in public discourse, criticizing the judge overseeing his trial and drawing a parallel with Trump’s frustrations regarding judicial treatment.
Another figure seeking potential leniency is Turkish businessman Ekim Alptekin, who has faced federal charges related to his past dealings with Trump advisor Mike Flynn. Alptekin recently detailed interactions with members of the Biden family, suggesting that their gestures might have been politically motivated, although he remains focused on resolving his legal issues.
Figures in political spheres, including former D.C. Council member Trayon White, are also positioning themselves for pardons amid their legal troubles. White has publicly argued that he has been unfairly targeted by law enforcement. Similarly, former Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chair Bob Menendez, who has encountered his own legal challenges, has echoed concerns about the integrity of the judicial process, aligning himself with Trump’s criticisms.
Interestingly, among notable defendants, former New York Republican Representative George Santos appears to be the only one not actively courting Trump’s clemency, although he maintains an openness to the possibility of a pardon as he awaits sentencing for fraud and identity theft charges.Santos, who faces a sentencing date set for April, conveyed a hesitant stance regarding his advocacy for a pardon, acknowledging his lack of effectiveness in self-promotion. His somewhat ambivalent position illustrates the complex dynamics at play as various individuals navigate the intersection of politics and legal challenges in a highly charged environment.
As Trump continues to assert his influence and actively engage with supporters, the contours of criminal justice appear to be shifting under his watch. The clemency conversations reflect not only a response to individual circumstances but also broader ideological battles within the political landscape. Defendants—from prominent businessmen to politicians—are highlighting perceived injustices in their cases, aligning their narratives with Trump’s populist rhetoric against an allegedly biased judicial system.
While some may view these maneuvers as desperate, they also illustrate how Trump’s presidency has reframed the dynamics of accountability and justice in America. The willingness of defendants to connect their struggles to Trump’s narrative suggests a calculated approach to garner sympathy and support from a leader known for his unconventional methods and disdain for established norms.
Moreover, Mangel's observations about the increased inquiries for clemency indicate a growing awareness among convicts that the political climate could favor unconventional approaches to legal issues. With Trump’s return to a position of influence, there is a sense that past practices of maintaining distance from the political machinations of the presidency are being reconsidered.
In this evolving landscape, as notable figures like Ver, Weeks, and others turn to social media platforms and public appearances to advocate for their cases, the lines between legal defense and political advocacy continue to blur. There is a burgeoning belief among defendants that aligning their fates with Trump’s narratives can yield substantial benefits, whether through public sympathy or potential clemency.
Ultimately, the current climate raises questions about the integrity of the justice system, the principles of accountability, and how political affiliations may influence judicial outcomes. As more defendants navigate this terrain, it remains to be seen whether their efforts will bear fruit or serve merely as a reflection of their desperation against a system they believe has failed them.
As the political landscape continues to shift, all eyes will be on Trump and his administration’s response to these burgeoning clemency requests. The actions taken could signal not only the fates of individual defendants but also set precedents for how justice is perceived and pursued in an increasingly polarized America. In this charged atmosphere, the centuries-old notions of mercy and justice are being reexamined under the glare of contemporary politics, with implications that extend far beyond the individuals seeking pardons.
Alejandro Jose Martinez for TROIB News
High-profile individuals like Sam Bankman-Fried and Bob Menendez are reportedly pursuing pardons, portraying themselves as victims of a flawed justice system in a way that resonates with Trump’s narrative.
In a related development, a Democratic District of Columbia Council member facing federal bribery charges has publicly praised Trump’s choice to lead the FBI. Additionally, a Bitcoin entrepreneur battling extradition from Spain on tax charges has recently spoken with Tucker Carlson to advocate for his case, while a Turkish businessman under federal indictment has expressed a willingness to provide investigators with details about a meeting involving former President Joe Biden’s brother—under the condition that charges against him are dismissed.
Trump’s appointment of a “pardon czar,” Alice Johnson, and the recent firing of a Justice Department lawyer who managed Biden’s pardons indicate that Trump intends to continue exercising his clemency powers. This has captured the attention of potential petitioners. Sam Mangel, a consultant to white-collar convicts who has assisted individuals like Steve Bannon and Bankman-Fried, noted that the current environment in prisons has led to increased discussions around clemency.
Defendants are navigating a shifting legal landscape, adapting to a chief executive who is less constrained by the traditional boundaries that previously governed presidential involvement in criminal justice. Mangel emphasized, however, that there are limitations on who may be considered for Trump’s pardons, specifying that undocumented immigrants and those convicted of sexual, drug-related, or violent crimes should not expect to be granted clemency.
Despite these exclusions, interest in clemency remains high. Mangel reported that he now receives two to four inquiries daily, a significant increase from the two he received in the three years prior to Trump’s election.
Crypto defendants are particularly excited about the prospect of pardons following Trump’s early tenure action to pardon Ross Ulbricht, the founder of an illegal online marketplace that utilized Bitcoin. Among these defendants is Bitcoin miner Joby Weeks, who pleaded guilty to tax evasion and an unregistered securities offering related to his activities. Weeks has since modified his legal strategy, opting to represent himself and has filed a unique motion referencing Trump’s call to “FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT!”
Weeks aims to rally support for his case by alleging extensive wrongdoing by the government, though his approach may not endear him to the judge or prosecutors involved. Nonetheless, he expresses hope that Trump might intervene in his favor.
Another Bitcoin entrepreneur, Roger Ver, has adopted a more traditional route for seeking clemency amid his tax troubles. Ver, touted as “Bitcoin Jesus” and having renounced his U.S. citizenship in favor of St. Kitts and Nevis, is currently facing a $50 million tax indictment and continues to campaign for public support, including crafting a pardon petition backed by various pro-Trump figures.
Supporters of Sam Bankman-Fried, convicted on fraud charges, are also advocating for clemency. Reports indicate that Bankman-Fried’s family has explored this path. While serving his sentence, the former crypto mogul has engaged in public discourse, criticizing the judge overseeing his trial and drawing a parallel with Trump’s frustrations regarding judicial treatment.
Another figure seeking potential leniency is Turkish businessman Ekim Alptekin, who has faced federal charges related to his past dealings with Trump advisor Mike Flynn. Alptekin recently detailed interactions with members of the Biden family, suggesting that their gestures might have been politically motivated, although he remains focused on resolving his legal issues.
Figures in political spheres, including former D.C. Council member Trayon White, are also positioning themselves for pardons amid their legal troubles. White has publicly argued that he has been unfairly targeted by law enforcement. Similarly, former Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chair Bob Menendez, who has encountered his own legal challenges, has echoed concerns about the integrity of the judicial process, aligning himself with Trump’s criticisms.
Interestingly, among notable defendants, former New York Republican Representative George Santos appears to be the only one not actively courting Trump’s clemency, although he maintains an openness to the possibility of a pardon as he awaits sentencing for fraud and identity theft charges.Santos, who faces a sentencing date set for April, conveyed a hesitant stance regarding his advocacy for a pardon, acknowledging his lack of effectiveness in self-promotion. His somewhat ambivalent position illustrates the complex dynamics at play as various individuals navigate the intersection of politics and legal challenges in a highly charged environment.
As Trump continues to assert his influence and actively engage with supporters, the contours of criminal justice appear to be shifting under his watch. The clemency conversations reflect not only a response to individual circumstances but also broader ideological battles within the political landscape. Defendants—from prominent businessmen to politicians—are highlighting perceived injustices in their cases, aligning their narratives with Trump’s populist rhetoric against an allegedly biased judicial system.
While some may view these maneuvers as desperate, they also illustrate how Trump’s presidency has reframed the dynamics of accountability and justice in America. The willingness of defendants to connect their struggles to Trump’s narrative suggests a calculated approach to garner sympathy and support from a leader known for his unconventional methods and disdain for established norms.
Moreover, Mangel's observations about the increased inquiries for clemency indicate a growing awareness among convicts that the political climate could favor unconventional approaches to legal issues. With Trump’s return to a position of influence, there is a sense that past practices of maintaining distance from the political machinations of the presidency are being reconsidered.
In this evolving landscape, as notable figures like Ver, Weeks, and others turn to social media platforms and public appearances to advocate for their cases, the lines between legal defense and political advocacy continue to blur. There is a burgeoning belief among defendants that aligning their fates with Trump’s narratives can yield substantial benefits, whether through public sympathy or potential clemency.
Ultimately, the current climate raises questions about the integrity of the justice system, the principles of accountability, and how political affiliations may influence judicial outcomes. As more defendants navigate this terrain, it remains to be seen whether their efforts will bear fruit or serve merely as a reflection of their desperation against a system they believe has failed them.
As the political landscape continues to shift, all eyes will be on Trump and his administration’s response to these burgeoning clemency requests. The actions taken could signal not only the fates of individual defendants but also set precedents for how justice is perceived and pursued in an increasingly polarized America. In this charged atmosphere, the centuries-old notions of mercy and justice are being reexamined under the glare of contemporary politics, with implications that extend far beyond the individuals seeking pardons.
Alejandro Jose Martinez for TROIB News
