TLDR
- Judge Kaplan ordered US response to SBF motion by March 11.
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SBF seeks new trial citing potential new witness testimony.
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He is serving 25 years after 2023 fraud conviction.
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White House says Trump is not considering a pardon.
A federal judge has ordered US prosecutors to respond to Sam Bankman-Fried’s motion for a new criminal trial by March 11. The development adds a new timeline in the legal battle involving the former FTX chief executive.
Bankman-Fried, who was convicted in 2023 and sentenced to 25 years in prison, filed the motion earlier this month. He argues that new witness testimony could affect the outcome of his case.
Judge Orders Government Response by March 11
In a filing in the US District Court for the Southern District of New York, Judge Lewis Kaplan directed prosecutors to submit their response within two weeks. The order sets March 11 as the deadline for the government’s reply.
Bankman-Fried’s legal team claims that additional testimony could strengthen his defense. The motion seeks a new trial despite his prior conviction on seven felony counts, including fraud and conspiracy.
He was sentenced in March 2024 following the collapse of FTX in November 2022. The exchange failed amid a liquidity crisis and allegations that customer funds were misused.
SBF Appeal Process Still Pending in Second Circuit
After sentencing, Bankman Fried’s attorneys filed an appeal challenging both the conviction and the length of the sentence. The case is currently before the US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.
As of this week, the appellate court has not issued a ruling. The new trial motion proceeds alongside the ongoing appeal.
Former Alameda Research CEO Caroline Ellison, who testified against Bankman Fried under a plea agreement, was released in January after serving 440 days in custody. Ryan Salame, former co CEO of FTX Digital Markets, remains incarcerated after receiving a sentence of more than seven years.
Public Statements and Pardon Speculation
While serving his sentence, Bankman-Fried resumed posting messages on social media. Some posts expressed support for US President Donald Trump and raised claims of political bias in his prosecution.
In March 2025, he gave an interview to commentator Tucker Carlson and said he had stronger relationships with Republicans than Democrats. Reports indicated the interview preceded a transfer to another federal facility.
Speculation has circulated in parts of the crypto community about a potential presidential pardon. However, the White House has repeatedly stated that President Trump is not considering clemency for the former FTX executive.
According to reports, administration officials have publicly ruled out a pardon. President Trump has granted clemency to certain crypto figures since taking office, though Bankman Fried has not been included.
Legal Path Ahead for Former FTX CEO
The March 11 deadline marks the next step in the retrial request process. After prosecutors file their response, the court will determine whether further proceedings are necessary.
Bankman Fried’s motion argues that new witness testimony could alter key aspects of the case. The court has not yet indicated whether it will hold hearings on the matter.
The legal proceedings continue as FTX bankruptcy cases and related civil matters remain active. The outcome of the retrial motion and appeal will determine the next phase of the former executive’s legal path.
For now, the federal court has set a clear timeline, and both sides are preparing filings as the case moves forward.
