Sam Bankman-Fried's 'gm' tweet sparks FTT pump and dump, raising questions about market manipulation and FTX fallout. Are we doomed to repeat the past?

Remember FTX? Sam Bankman-Fried? Yeah, the good ol' days of crypto chaos. Well, hold on to your hats, because it looks like the drama's not quite over. A recent tweet from SBF's X account (yes, *that* SBF, currently residing in the clink) has stirred up the pot, leading to a classic pump and dump of the FTX Token (FTT).
The 'gm' Heard 'Round the Crypto World
On September 24, 2025, SBF's X account, dormant for months, suddenly sprang to life with a simple, two-letter message: "gm" (that's "good morning" for you non-crypto natives). The tweet quickly went viral, racking up millions of views and sparking a frenzy of speculation. Was SBF tweeting from prison? Was this a sign of something bigger?
Turns out, it wasn't SBF himself, but a friend posting on his behalf. But the damage was done. The FTT token, still kicking around despite the FTX implosion, shot up a whopping 60% in minutes, hitting $1.20. Then, just as quickly, it crashed back down below $1.00. Classic pump and dump, folks.
Deja Vu All Over Again
This whole situation feels eerily familiar, doesn't it? A tweet, a surge, a crash. It's like we're reliving the FTX saga all over again. Market experts are rightly calling out the speculative nature of crypto, warning retail investors to steer clear of these traps. Tobby Cunningham, co-host of the Crypto Tips podcast, put it bluntly: "The next bear market disaster will be far greater than that of FTX. Not your keys not your coins".
What's Next for FTX?
Despite SBF's legal troubles and the FTT shenanigans, the FTX bankruptcy estate is moving forward with its reorganization process. Starting September 30th, creditors are slated to receive another $1.6 billion in payouts. Distribution amounts range from 78% to 120% of original account balances, which is a small win for those affected by the collapse. Will it be enough to restore faith in the crypto world? That remains to be seen.
A Pardon Push?
Some analysts speculate that SBF's recent social media activity could be a PR move aimed at securing a presidential pardon. His legal team and parents have reportedly explored this possibility. Arthur Hayes even weighed in with a humorous jab, asking "Wen memecoin?". Is this all an elaborate attempt to soften SBF's image? Only time will tell.
The Takeaway
The FTT pump and dump triggered by SBF's tweet is a stark reminder of the volatility and speculative nature of the crypto market. It also highlights the long shadow that FTX continues to cast over the industry. As the payouts resume and SBF's appeal looms, the crypto world is holding its breath, waiting to see what happens next. Just remember, folks, do your research, stay safe, and don't get caught holding the bag.
So, what's the lesson here? Maybe it's that in the wild west of crypto, even a simple "gm" can send the market into a frenzy. Or maybe it's that some mistakes, and some personalities, just keep coming back to haunt us. Either way, it's a wild ride, so buckle up and try to enjoy the show... from a safe distance, of course.