President Donald Trump is mulling a large-scale pardon program targeting around 250 inmates to coincide with the US 250th anniversary in 2026, according to the Wall Street Journal. The news has sent the crypto industry buzzing over whether high-profile figures like FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried and Tornado Cash founders Roman Storm and Alexey Pertsev could make the list. Trump has signaled crypto-friendly policies over the past year, fueling hopes of a softer stance on certain crypto-related cases.
Pardon Plan Still Vague, Crypto Watchers Scan Names
Trump reportedly discussed the plan with aides as a symbolic gesture for the nation's 250th birthday. No official list has been released, but the crypto community is already parsing possibilities. Trump has a history of using pardons for political symbolism, which adds an unpredictable element to whether crypto defendants might benefit.
Tornado Cash Developers: Does Code Equal Speech?
The Tornado Cash case draws particular attention because it touches on whether code is protected speech. The Treasury sanctioned the Ethereum-based privacy mixer after accusing North Korea's Lazarus Group of using it to launder funds. Roman Storm still faces US legal proceedings, while Alexey Pertsev has been convicted in the Netherlands. Many crypto supporters argue that a Trump pardon could turn the privacy case into a political statement against what they see as overreach by regulators.
SBF's Pardon Prospects Split: Fraud Victims Apply Pressure
SBF's situation is more delicate due to the sheer scale of the FTX fraud, which bankrupted millions and eroded trust in the industry. He was convicted on multiple counts including fraud and money laundering. Most observers see his pardon as unlikely given the political pressure from victims. Trump has previously said he would not pardon SBF (as cited in related reports). Nevertheless, a minority believes Trump might frame SBF as a victim of regulatory overreach, though that scenario remains highly speculative.
Crypto Regulation Under Political Spotlight
As the election draws near, crypto issues are becoming a partisan battleground. Republicans and Democrats increasingly diverge on how to handle digital assets, privacy tools, and financial freedom. Trump's pardon plan, if it includes crypto names, could further politicize the regulatory landscape. The White House has not clarified its stance on crypto-related pardons, but the market is already weighing the potential impact on sentiment.