Former FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried (SBF), who was convicted of fraud and conspiracy and sentenced to 25 years in federal prison, has spoken out in a rare jailhouse interview with Tucker Carlson. In the conversation, he revealed details about his life behind bars, his political views, and an unusual prison economy.
Life in Prison: "Muffins as Currency" and Cellmates
Currently incarcerated at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center, Bankman-Fried described adjusting to prison life, where resources are limited, and inmates find creative ways to trade goods.
- He highlighted the prison’s underground economy, where muffins serve as a form of currency among inmates.
- One of his cellmates is Sean "Diddy" Combs, the hip-hop mogul currently facing his own legal battles. SBF described Diddy as “always kind” and supportive inside the facility.
- Other inmates reportedly include Luigi Mangione, an Italian mafia associate.
Political Shift: From Democrat Donor to Republican Leanings
Bankman-Fried, who was once one of the largest political donors to Democratic campaigns, hinted at a shift in his political stance.
- He expressed disappointment in the Democratic Party, stating that he received no support from political allies following his legal troubles.
- He acknowledged that many in the crypto industry view former President Donald Trump as more favorable toward cryptocurrency regulations than Democratic lawmakers.
This statement has fueled speculation that he may align with the Republican Party moving forward, although it is unclear whether he intends to involve himself in politics after his release.
Crisis Manager Resigns After Surprise Interview
Shortly after the interview aired, Mark Botnick, Bankman-Fried’s crisis PR manager, resigned.
- Botnick, who has handled SBF’s media strategy since the FTX collapse in 2022, stated that he was unaware of the interview and had no involvement in its planning.
- His resignation raises questions about who coordinated the interview and whether SBF has new representation shaping his public image.
Background: FTX Collapse and Conviction
Bankman-Fried was convicted in November 2023 on fraud and conspiracy charges related to the collapse of FTX, a cryptocurrency exchange once valued at $32 billion.
- His 25-year prison sentence was handed down in March 2024, marking one of the biggest financial fraud cases in history.
- He was accused of misusing billions of dollars in customer funds, leading to huge losses for investors and retail traders.