Senate Rejects SBF Pardon Bid But Power Remains With Trump

The United States Senate recently passed a unanimous resolution expressing strong opposition to a potential pardon for former FTX founder Sam Bankman Fried. Introduced by Senators Cynthia Lummis and Ruben Gallego, the measure signals clear political disapproval of Bankman Fried, who filed a formal pardon petition with the Justice Department earlier in 2026.

While the vote serves as a public rebuke, it carries no actual legal weight. Under Article II, Section 2, Clause 1 of the US Constitution, the president holds broad authority to grant clemency. Legal precedent, including the 1866 Supreme Court case Ex parte Garland, confirms that Congress cannot restrict this power or dictate which individuals a president may choose to pardon.

Despite the Senate stance, the final decision remains squarely with the White House. President Donald Trump has previously indicated he has no plans to grant clemency to the former CEO. As the industry watches closely, the situation highlights the gap between political messaging in the Senate and the reality of executive authority regarding federal criminal cases.