The Wall Street Journal reports that the White House is considering issuing nearly 250 presidential pardons to mark the 250th anniversary of America’s birth. The most prominent legal cases related to cryptocurrencies are already starting to publish numbers.
The plan is still preliminary. However, the matter comes to light as Sam Bankman Fried (SBF), Roger Ver, and other cryptocurrency defendants intensify their appeals for clemency from Donald Trump.
A pardon pool built for symbolism
Trump has already issued more than 1,600 pardons during his second term. This is several times more than the 250 he granted during his entire first term, and a large share flowed directly to the cryptocurrency industry.
In October 2025, Pres Binance founder Changpeng Zhao pardoned After pleading guilty to anti-money laundering charges.
Earlier in the same year, BitMEX Founders And the creator of the Silk Road, Ross Ulbricht He received clemency Their own.
A symbolic A set of 250 pardons, prepared on Independence Day, would extend the pattern Critics call it transactional Supporters consider it a correction to previous prosecutions.
“Ulbricht was sentenced to life in prison, plus 40 years, a worse sentence than the site’s worst drug sellers,”booksColin Rouge.
Follow us on XTo get the latest news as it happens
Who in the cryptocurrency world can still break free?
Three names dominate the speculation. Sam Bankman Freed, the disgraced founder of FTX, ran an ongoing public relief campaign. Trump frankly It rejected the request in JanuaryBut the Allies did not stop exerting pressure.
While hopes of a pardon for SBF have been dashed, Trump has signaled an openness to clemency in other cryptocurrency-related cases. The president recently said he would “look into” the case Samurai Wallet CEO Keonne Rodriguez.
Roger Ver, an early Bitcoin backer who is widely called “Bitcoin Jesus,” has put in more effort than almost anyone else. He recruited political activist Roger Stone and recorded a live video appeal.
It is said that Elon Musk Explore supporting his cause Also, just like the co-founder of Ethereum Vitalik Buterin and other crypto leaders.
“Genuine wrongs should be addressed in good faith by giving the wrongdoer the opportunity to repay taxes if necessary with interest and penalties, not prosecution,” Buterin said. Suggested In reference to Roger Ver.
Gobi weeksa miner who pleaded guilty to tax-related charges linked to the cryptocurrency scheme, is also seeking inclusion.
Ryan Salama, former CEO of FTX, has publicly aligned himself with MAGA messaging in… His quiet attempt at relief.
Others even Named To offer clemency to Do Kwon, the beleaguered founder of the collapsed Terra/Luna ecosystem.
Meanwhile, Polymarket is already running a market for this development, with Ryan Salame (13%), SBF (11%), and Do Kwon (9%) already on the list of potential clients to be pardoned before 2027.
Why is summer 2026 a viewing opportunity?
The Senate already Investigating Trump’s Cryptocurrency Pardon. A July 4th announcement would amplify scrutiny, but it would also allow the administration to inject leniency within a celebratory national moment.
The risks extend beyond any single defendant, especially with respect to cryptocurrencies. Each pardon resets how prosecutors and stock exchanges read the regulatory mood.
The 250 token could send the highest signal yet that the legal cost of running a cryptocurrency business has fundamentally changed in the United States.
The final list, if it emerges, may emerge within weeks rather than months. Which founder, hacker or trader will earn a spot is anyone’s guess.
this post Crypto hopefuls watch Trump consider 250 pardons on America’s 250th birthday appeared first on BeInCrypto.
