Sam Bankman-Fried’s political donation activities were allegedly a family affair, involving his brother, mother, and father. Bankman-Fried, the founder of FTX, reportedly directed over $100 million in political contributions with his family’s help, according to emails reviewed by the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) and reporter Alexander Osipovich.
Report: Family at the Center of Sam Bankman-Fried’s Campaign Contributions
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Wall Street Journal Report Uncovers Bankman-Fried Family’s Alleged Political Donation Network
Sam Bankman-Fried’s (SBF) father, Joe Bankman, a Stanford Law School professor, ostensibly provided tax advice to Ryan Salame, a key FTX executive, as he made substantial political donations. According to the WSJ, Bankman introduced Salame to FTX’s tax lawyers to discuss the millions Salame had withdrawn from Alameda Research for political contributions.
Gabriel Bankman-Fried, Sam’s younger brother, allegedly played a significant role in directing contributions to Democratic candidates and causes. Emails from the summer of 2021 reveal Gabriel’s detailed requests for donations, including a $5 million contribution to Guarding Against Pandemics, an advocacy group he founded.
He reportedly coordinated with Salame and Nishad Singh, another FTX executive, to handle these donations. As noted by Osipovich’s report, this strategic donation management helped optimize SBF’s tax liabilities. Barbara Fried, Bankman-Fried’s mother, is also mentioned as allegedly influencing spending from her son’s crypto fortune.
As a co-founder of Mind the Gap, a super PAC supporting Democrats, she reportedly requested funds for various progressive causes. Emails reviewed by the WSJ show she asked for $92,000 to support specific projects, highlighting the extent of the family’s involvement in directing political contributions stemming from FTX’s wealth.
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