SBF Alleges Judge Used 'Trump Playbook' to Block Evidence in FTX Fraud Case

Bankman-Fried cites new appeals court ruling against Judge Kaplan to bolster his own case on conviction appeal

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Sam Bankman-Fried, the former CEO of FTX who was sentenced to 25 years in prison for fraud, has alleged that the judge in his case, Lewis Kaplan, used the same tactics to block evidence that he used in cases involving former President Donald Trump. Bankman-Fried cited a recent Second Circuit ruling that overturned a conviction because Kaplan wrongfully excluded evidence, arguing the same thing happened in his own trial.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing legal battles between high-profile defendants and judges, with accusations of bias and unfair treatment. The outcome of Bankman-Fried's appeal could have significant implications for how evidence is handled in complex fraud cases going forward.

The details

Bankman-Fried's defense argues that Kaplan repeatedly cut off his testimony and excluded evidence that could have shown his actions were approved by lawyers, including evidence that lawyers reviewed and approved the entities, bank accounts, and business practices at the heart of the FTX fraud case. The defense says this evidence was crucial to evaluating whether Bankman-Fried acted with willful intent, a key element of the fraud charges.

  • In March 2024, Judge Kaplan sentenced Bankman-Fried to 25 years in federal prison.
  • In November 2025, Bankman-Fried presented oral arguments in his appeal before the Second Circuit Court of Appeals.
  • In a recent ruling in a separate case, the Second Circuit overturned a conviction because Judge Kaplan wrongfully excluded evidence.

The players

Sam Bankman-Fried

The former CEO of FTX who was convicted of fraud and sentenced to 25 years in prison.

Judge Lewis Kaplan

The federal judge who presided over Bankman-Fried's fraud trial and also handled cases involving former President Donald Trump.

Judge Barrington Parker

A Second Circuit judge who appeared skeptical during oral arguments about whether the excluded evidence would have changed the verdict in Bankman-Fried's case.

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What they’re saying

“Kaplan repeatedly cut off my testimony and excluded every kind of evidence the government asked him to.”

— Sam Bankman-Fried (X)

“He used the same playbook on @realDonaldTrump.”

— Sam Bankman-Fried (X)

What’s next

The Second Circuit will continue to consider Bankman-Fried's appeal, with a decision expected in the coming months. The outcome could determine whether he will serve the full 25-year sentence or receive a new trial.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex legal battles between high-profile defendants and judges, with accusations of bias and unfair treatment. The outcome of Bankman-Fried's appeal could have significant implications for how evidence is handled in complex fraud cases going forward.