Indicted FTX Co-Founder Sam Bankman-Fried Discussed ‘Pandemic Prevention’ With Biden Administration Officials

According to public filings, former crypto billionaire and FTX co-founder Sam Bankman-Fried met with senior Biden administration officers earlier than he was indicted for monetary fraud. When requested in regards to the visits, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre informed the press the conferences concerned discussions about “pandemic prevention.”

Senior White House Staff Met With Former Billionaire Sam Bankman-Fried to Discuss ‘Crypto Industry’ and ‘Pandemic Prevention’

The disgraced FTX co-founder Sam Bankman-Fried (SBF), who’s at present charged with eight counts of monetary fraud and misconduct, met with the senior White House adviser Steve Richetti thrice. SBF additionally met with the White House deputy chief of employees Bruce Reed on one event as nicely. SBF donated a substantial amount of cash to Democrat leaders within the U.S., together with $5.2 million in marketing campaign donations to the present president Joe Biden.

According to reports, a number of members of the U.S. Democratic Party and sure marketing campaign committees are at present beneath investigation by federal prosecutors for donations related to SBF. Just lately, throughout a Dec. 13, 2022 press briefing, a reporter requested White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre if the administration would return the funds.

“I’m covered here by the Hatch Act,” Jean-Pierre remarked to the reporter. She additional famous that there have been limitations on what she may say to the press. ”Anything that’s linked to political contributions, from right here I must refer you to the DNC,” Jean-Pierre added.

To begin the brand new yr, the White House held a press briefing on Jan. 3, 2023, and Jean-Pierre was requested in regards to the 4 conferences with SBF and senior Biden administration officers. Biden’s press secretary defined that the conferences have been about gathering common data in regards to the crypto business and pandemic prevention.

“Let me give you a few rundowns here. As we previously confirmed and as you know, I know you’re following this very closely, these meetings included Steve Richetti and Bruce Reed, the meetings focused on pandemic prevention related to Sam Bankman-Fried’s foundation,” Jean-Pierre stated. “And general information on the cryptocurrency industry and crypto exchanges. Look, you know, the administration has been clear about the need for Congress to take action when we talk about addressing cryptocurrency.”

Jean-Pierre additionally mentioned Biden’s focus on the crypto business and his latest executive order final March. “The president as you know released an executive order on this topic just last March. And the president released a framework for protecting consumers last fall and last November,” the press secretary continued. “Secretary Yellen renewed the administration’s name for Congress to take motion. So as you already know the White House usually engages with officers from a variety of industries and sectors together with leaders in companies like nonprofits.”

Jean-Pierre added:

Again this assembly with Sam Bankman-Fried was targeted on pandemic prevention-related issues and cryptocurrency and crypto exchanges.

The pandemic prevention commentary was a topical discussion on social media after the Jan. 3 press briefing revealed on Tuesday. Jean-Pierre’s statements have been mocked identical to her Hatch Act statements two weeks prior. One particular person who joked about Jean-Pierre’s SBF feedback stated that possibly the White House ought to “schedule a meeting with Jordan Belfort (the Wolf of Wall Street) on vaccines next.”

What do you consider the White House’s statements regarding senior Biden officers assembly with the indicted FTX co-founder SBF? Let us know what you consider this topic within the feedback part beneath.