New Revelations About SBF’s Contemplation to Pay Trump Not to Run for President
As the trial of Sam Bankman-Fried, the disgraced founder of FTX, approaches, fresh information has emerged regarding his consideration of paying former President Donald Trump to abstain from running for re-election. In an interview with Michael Lewis, author of the book “Going Infinite: The Rise and Fall of a New Tycoon,” it was revealed that SBF believed Trump posed a threat to democracy and contemplated offering him $5 billion to stay out of the race.
SBF’s Plan to Support Republican Candidates Against Trump
Lewis further disclosed that SBF intended to assist Mitch McConnell in funding Republican candidates who were at odds with Trump. The plan involved donating millions of dollars to politicians deemed suitable by McConnell. Following a dinner meeting with McConnell, SBF contributed tens of millions to support these candidates, a move that the current FTX management is now attempting to recover.
Moreover, SBF had plans to donate more funds during the 2024 U.S. elections as part of his effort to prevent what he considered an existential risk to democracy.
Obstacles Faced by SBF in Executing the Plan
However, SBF’s plan could not come to fruition due to FTX’s collapse and subsequent bankruptcy. The conversations regarding the potential payment were ongoing when these events unfolded.
Judge Orders SBF Not to Blame FTX’s Counsel
In preparation for his trial, which commences on October 4, SBF has faced another setback. Judge Lewis Kaplan has ordered him not to blame FTX’s counsel for the misconduct that led to the firm’s collapse. This directive aims to prevent any confusion among the jury during the proceedings.
Hot Take: SBF’s Controversial Plan and the Implications
The revelation of SBF’s consideration to pay Trump not to run for president showcases the extent of his concerns about the potential threat to democracy. While the plan ultimately fell through due to FTX’s demise, it raises questions about the role of wealth and influence in politics. Additionally, the judge’s order not to blame FTX’s counsel highlights the complexity of assigning responsibility in cases involving corporate misconduct. These developments add further intrigue to SBF’s upcoming trial and its potential impact on the crypto community.