Former FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried reportedly considered the idea of offering Donald Trump a staggering $5 billion to dissuade him from running for the U.S. presidency in 2024, according to Michael Lewis, the author of “The Big Short.”

In a recent 60 Minutes interview on October 1, Lewis unveiled Bankman-Fried’s audacious contemplation of this proposal. He shed light on SBF’s perspective, viewing Trump’s potential candidacy as a significant threat to U.S. democracy, categorizing it as an “existential risk.”

Lewis disclosed that SBF not only assessed the financial feasibility of the offer but also its legal implications.

It’s worth noting that Bankman-Fried had been a major donor to both Democratic and Republican causes, contributing millions to both parties.

However, the idea never came to fruition, primarily because Bankman-Fried no longer possessed the required $5 billion.

In Michael Lewis’s most recent book, “Ascending Beyond Limits: The Tale of SBF’s Climb and Decline,” he documents the remarkable rise and eventual fall of SBF’s wealth and influence.

Lewis Draws Parallels Between FTX’s Collapse and Pompeii

Adding to this remarkable revelation, Lewis shared insights into his close relationship with SBF, disclosing that he spent over 70 days in the Bahamas during multiple trips in 2022, forging a strong bond with the FTX founder.

Reflecting on the aftermath of FTX’s November 2022 collapse, Lewis drew comparisons to the ruins of Pompeii, where personal belongings and company assets were abandoned in the wake of the catastrophe.

Regarding the legal implications of these claims, representatives for both Sam Bankman-Fried and Donald Trump have declined to comment.

The author-journalist asserted that if there hadn’t been a rush on crypto deposits at FTX, the exchange might still be operational and profitable.

The highly anticipated trial of Sam Bankman-Fried is set to commence on October 3 with jury selection, followed by formal trial proceedings starting on October 4. The trial will encompass seven fraud cases against SBF, including two substantial charges requiring the prosecution to prove Bankman-Fried’s involvement and five conspiracy charges.

Anna Wintour, the renowned fashion icon and Vogue editor-in-chief, expressed an unexpected interest in having Sam Bankman-Fried as a sponsor for the prestigious Met Gala, as revealed by Michael Lewis.

Despite his typically casual attire, consisting mostly of shorts and a T-shirt, Bankman-Fried’s financial clout and willingness to make substantial contributions intrigued Wintour. Lewis described SBF as a “social experiment” with significant financial resources, but noted that things didn’t unfold as SBF had initially intended.