In an unprecedented twist on the political stage, a former crypto exchange CEO, Sam Bankman-Fried (SBF), reportedly contemplated offering a jaw-dropping sum of $5 billion to persuade former President Donald Trump not to run for a second term. The astonishing revelation comes straight from the pages of Michael Lewis’s upcoming book, “Going Infinite,” set to be released soon. In a recent interview, Lewis unveiled the intricate details of this bizarre proposition, shedding light on the remarkable encounter between SBF and Trump.

The Background Story

During the electrifying interview, Michael Lewis shared that he had dedicated more than 100 hours of his time to delve deep into the mind of the former crypto exchange mogul, Sam Bankman-Fried. This extensive interaction revealed that Bankman-Fried held a startling belief: he viewed Trump as a threat to democracy itself. According to Lewis, SBF firmly believed that Trump’s actions were undermining the very foundations of the democratic system.

Lewis’s Perspective

In a candid moment during the interview, Michael Lewis asserted, “He saw Trump trying to undermine the democracy, and he thought, ‘Trump belongs on the list of existential risks.'” This perspective sheds light on the gravity of SBF’s concerns about Trump’s potential influence on the political landscape.

The Unusual Offer

What makes this revelation even more astonishing is the fact that SBF went to great lengths to explore a rather unconventional solution. He sought to answer a question that intrigued him deeply: Could a substantial sum of money convince Donald Trump not to enter the presidential race again? The figure he had in mind was a staggering $5 billion.

The Legal Quandary

However, the question that loomed large in SBF’s mind wasn’t just about the amount; it was also a matter of legality. Could such an extraordinary offer be considered legal? SBF was determined to find out. In an unprecedented move, he sought legal counsel to navigate the complex web of campaign finance laws and regulations.

The Response

Intriguingly, SBF’s audacious inquiry did not go unanswered. He received a response, a single word that would have sent shockwaves through the political landscape if acted upon. While the answer to whether $5 billion would be sufficient to persuade Trump not to run remained a mystery, the mere fact that a response was received added another layer of intrigue to this extraordinary story.

FTX’s Near Collapse

As Michael Lewis continued to unravel the narrative, he revealed a significant plot twist. The reason this extraordinary proposition never materialized was not for lack of ambition or willingness on SBF’s part. It was due to a dramatic turn of events within the crypto exchange, FTX, itself. At the time when these discussions were taking place, FTX was teetering on the brink of collapse.

SBF’s Financial Constraints

Lewis elaborated on the situation, explaining that the financial landscape had shifted drastically. FTX, once a financial juggernaut with billions at its disposal, was suddenly grappling with financial constraints. The spare billions that might have been used for such an audacious endeavor were no longer available.

Political Donations Under Scrutiny

This revelation casts a spotlight on the world of political donations in a new and unexpected way. The willingness of a crypto magnate to contemplate such a monumental offer highlights the significant role that finances can play in the political arena. It also underscores the intricacies and potential legal hurdles that surround such propositions.

A Unique Insight into the Unconventional

Michael Lewis’s upcoming book, “Going Infinite,” promises to provide readers with a unique and captivating insight into the mind of Sam Bankman-Fried and the intriguing world of crypto and politics. The book promises to shed light on this unconventional approach to addressing political concerns and the ethical and legal dilemmas it raises.

In Conclusion

The revelation of Sam Bankman-Fried’s audacious plan to prevent Donald Trump from running for president by offering a staggering $5 billion adds an unexpected twist to the ever-evolving narrative of politics and finance. While the plan may never have come to fruition, it offers a thought-provoking glimpse into the lengths to which individuals may go to influence the political landscape. As “Going Infinite” hits the shelves, readers can expect a deeper dive into this extraordinary story and the minds of those who shape our world in ways both conventional and unconventional.