New Book Claims Alleged Fraudster Sam Bankman-Fried Considered Paying Trump $5 Billion to Halt Presidential Run

Democratic megadonor Sam Bankman-Fried considered paying former President Donald Trump not to run for reelection in 2020, according to a new book. Bankman-Fried's associates reportedly established a covert communication line with Trump's camp and found he could potentially be swayed for $5 billion. Bankman-Fried also planned to contribute millions to Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell to defeat "Trumpier" candidates. Bankman-Fried is currently facing charges of fraud and embezzlement.

In a shocking revelation, it has been reported that Sam Bankman-Fried, an alleged fraudster and prominent Democratic megadonor, explored the possibility of paying former President Donald Trump to refrain from running for reelection in 2020. This information comes from an excerpt from the upcoming book "Going Infinite: The Rise and Fall of a New Tycoon" by author Michael Lewis.

At the time, Bankman-Fried was the CEO of cryptocurrency exchange FTX and a billionaire in his own right. According to the excerpt obtained by The Washington Post, he and his associates delved into the legality of offering money to Trump in exchange for him not seeking the presidency again. They even established a covert communication line with Trump's camp, though it remains unclear who these individuals were and whether they directly contacted the then-president. It was determined that Trump could potentially be swayed with a staggering sum of $5 billion.

Unsurprisingly, the Trump camp has vehemently denied these claims. Steven Cheung, a spokesperson for Trump, dismissed Bankman-Fried as a liar and fraudster who cannot be trusted. However, the allegations do raise eyebrows and add another layer of intrigue to the already complex world of politics.

But Bankman-Fried's intentions didn't stop there. According to Lewis' book, he also planned to contribute between $15 and $30 million to Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell's campaign in order to defeat candidates that he deemed to be more aligned with Trump's ideology. Bankman-Fried saw Trump as an "existential threat to humanity," as stated in the book excerpt.

Bankman-Fried's financial influence in the political landscape is undeniable. He has contributed over $39 million to causes aligned with the Democratic Party, making him the second-largest individual donor during the 2022 midterm election cycle, according to analysis of Federal Election Commission data by The Washington Post. This level of financial support highlights the significant role that megadonors play in shaping the political landscape.

Currently, Bankman-Fried finds himself in a precarious situation. He is currently incarcerated in a New York City jail, with his trial set to begin this week. He faces seven charges, including defrauding FTX customers and lenders through a complex scheme that diverted billions of dollars towards campaign contributions, charitable donations, and real estate acquisitions. The New York Times reports that these funds were allegedly stolen and misappropriated.

According to an indictment from August, Bankman-Fried is accused of using the stolen funds to influence cryptocurrency regulation by making substantial campaign contributions to both Democrats and Republicans. This indictment paints a picture of a man who abused his power and position for personal gain, further tarnishing his reputation.

As of now, both the Trump campaign and Bankman-Fried's attorney have not responded to requests for comment. The gravity of the allegations and the potential implications they hold for the political landscape cannot be understated.

In conclusion, the story of Sam Bankman-Fried's alleged attempts to pay Donald Trump not to run for reelection in 2020 is a shocking revelation that adds another layer of intrigue to the already complex world of politics. Bankman-Fried's alleged actions, combined with his significant financial contributions to Democratic causes, paint a picture of a man who wields immense power and influence. As his trial begins this week, the outcome will undoubtedly have far-reaching consequences. Only time will tell how this saga unfolds and what impact it will have on the political landscape moving forward.

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