Sam Bankman-Fried’s Absurd Idea of Paying Off Trump
According to a conversation between William Cohan and Michael Lewis, Sam Bankman-Fried, the former FTX founder, had an interesting idea. He suggested paying off Donald Trump with $5 billion to make him disappear from politics. However, Lewis seemed skeptical about the legality and feasibility of such a plan. He questioned whether Trump would actually honor the agreement if he accepted the bribe.
Skepticism and Disbelief
Lewis found the idea amusing and couldn’t believe that Bankman-Fried and Trump would even discuss such a proposition. He pointed out that Trump could easily take the money and walk away, leaving Bankman-Fried with no recourse. The conversation highlighted the absurdity of the suggestion.
Bankman-Fried’s Desire for Punishment
Michael Lewis, who released the book “Going Infinite” about Bankman-Fried, observed his behavior during the trial. He believed that Bankman-Fried was intentionally evasive during questioning by prosecutors, suggesting a desire to be punished. Lewis thought it was clear from the beginning of the trial that Bankman-Fried would be convicted, especially considering that members of his inner circle had already pleaded guilty and testified against him.
Damning Testimonies
The testimonies of Alameda Research’s ex-CEO Caroline Ellison, FTX’s co-founder Gary Wang, and FTX’s former Director of Engineering Nishad Singh played a significant role in convincing Lewis of Bankman-Fried’s impending conviction. Their emotional testimonies made the evidence against Bankman-Fried sound more damning than it actually was. This further solidified Lewis’ belief that Bankman-Fried wanted to be punished.
Hot Take: Sam Bankman-Fried’s Controversial Ideas and Behavior
The conversation between William Cohan and Michael Lewis sheds light on the controversial ideas and behavior of Sam Bankman-Fried. From the absurd notion of paying off Donald Trump to his desire for punishment during the trial, Bankman-Fried’s actions raise questions about his judgment and motivations. The testimonies of his inner circle members also suggest a strong case against him. As the trial progresses, it remains to be seen what consequences Bankman-Fried will face for his actions.