FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried, currently serving a 25-year sentence for misusing customer funds, has resurfaced in a rare prison interview. Speaking with right-wing commentator Tucker Carlson, SBF reflected on his incarceration, his shifting political views, and the broader landscape of U.S. crypto regulation.

During the interview, Bankman-Fried, once known for his heavy donations to Democratic candidates—including President Joe Biden—claimed he had also financially supported Republicans, possibly even more so in his final years before FTX’s collapse. While he avoided discussing the possibility of a presidential pardon directly, his increasing engagement with conservative media suggests he may be seeking favor with former President Donald Trump, who is expected to take office again in 2025.

FTX, once a powerhouse in the crypto industry, imploded in November 2022 due to liquidity issues, leading to criminal charges against Bankman-Fried and other top executives. Former Alameda Research CEO Caroline Ellison, former FTX Digital Markets co-CEO Ryan Salame, and co-founder Gary Wang have all faced legal consequences, with most receiving prison sentences.

SBF maintained his innocence during the interview, stating, “I don’t think I was a criminal,” and suggested that Salame, a Republican donor, had been unfairly prosecuted. His legal team has already filed for an appeal, and reports indicate his parents are exploring options for a potential Trump pardon.

Currently held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, Bankman-Fried described prison life as isolating, revealing he survives mostly on rice and beans and has received no visits from former FTX colleagues. His remarks paint a picture of a man who, despite his conviction, is still looking for a way back into the political and financial world.