Public records indicate that a former crypto billionaire and co-founder of FTX, Sam Bankman-Fried, had meetings with top Biden administration officials prior to being charged with financial theft and misconduct. When asked about the visits, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre informed reporters that there was discussion of “pandemic prevention.”
Senior White House Personnel Met With Ex-Billionaire Sam Bankman-Fried to Talk About the “Cryptocurrency Sector” and “Pandemic Prevention”
The disgraced FTX co-founder Sam Bankman-Fried (SBF), who is currently facing eight counts of financial fraud and misconduct, held three meetings with senior White House adviser Steve Richetti and one meeting with White House Deputy Chief of Staff Bruce Reed. SBF made large donations to the Democratic Party and its leaders, including a $5.2 million campaign donation to US President Joe Biden.
Several US Democratic Party campaign committees are now under investigation for potential donations related to SBF. During a press conference on February 13th, 2023, a reporter asked White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre if the administration would be returning the money.
“I am limited by the Hatch Act,” Jean-Pierre informed the reporter. He further noted that there were constraints on what he could address with the media. “Anything that is related to political contributions, I would have to refer to the DNC from here,” Jean-Pierre added.
To kick off the New Year, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre was asked about the meetings with SBF and other senior Biden administration officials during the press conference on January 3rd, 2023. Jean-Pierre stated that the meetings were intended to gather general knowledge about the crypto industry and pandemic prevention.
“Let me provide some summary information. As we had previously confirmed, and I know that you are closely following this, these meetings included Steve Richetti and Bruce Reed. The meetings were focused on pandemic prevention and related issues, and general information about the cryptocurrency sector and crypto exchanges. Look, you know, the administration has been clear about the need for action by Congress when we talk about addressing crypto,” said Jean-Pierre.
Jean-Pierre also mentioned Biden’s focus on the cryptocurrency space and his executive order last March. “The president, as you know, issued an executive order on this subject last March. The president released a framework to protect consumers last fall and last November. Secretary Yellen and the administration have renewed their call for action by Congress. So you know that the White House engages with officials from many industries and sectors, including business leaders such as nonprofits,” the press secretary continued.
Jean-Pierre added:
Once again, this meeting with Sam Bankman-Fried was focused on pandemic prevention and the cryptocurrency/crypto exchange sector.
The comment about pandemic prevention was a hot topic on social media following the January Three press conference on Tuesday. Jean-Pierre’s statements