Former FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried reportedly explored the idea of paying Donald Trump not to run for the United States presidency. According to Michael Lewis, the author of “Going Infinite: The Rise and Fall of a New Tycoon,” this proposal emerged during his interviews and discussions with Bankman-Fried. The suggested amount to dissuade Trump from running was $5 billion, although it’s unclear if this figure was directly proposed by Trump.
Bankman-Fried’s motivations reportedly stemmed from his belief that Trump was a threat to U.S. democracy. However, the plan didn’t materialize due to Bankman-Fried’s inability to secure the required $5 billion.
Currently, Bankman-Fried is facing legal challenges, including seven fraud cases, with his trial scheduled to begin on October 4, 2023. The trial encompasses two substantive charges and five conspiracy charges.
Sam Bankman-Fried’s Contemplated $5 Billion Plan to Prevent Trump Presidential Bid
It’s worth noting that there has been no official comment from the legal teams of Sam Bankman-Fried or Donald Trump regarding this matter.