The government would always cover-up its shady deals with corrupt business owners. Sam Bankman-Fried was very smart lobbying both Democrats and Republicans because he wanted favor from both. It is not possible that they discussed just his donations to pandemic victims. There would be other secret discussions that would benefit a key donor like SBF. But the White House has bluntly that such discussion took place but the next government would unveil the truth to the public like in the case of Donald Trump. Returning SBF's donations to FTX is commendable and others should ensure they refund the money they collected. Joe Biden should be a role model, let him send back the money he collected, maybe some investors might be able to get some or part of their money from these refunds.
I also wish that affected people get their money back to the maximum extent possible.
Recently, the SBF pleaded not guilty in court, and the trial was delayed to October this year. I suspect this is just a ploy to deny all responsibility to investors. The government briefly arrested and prosecuted SBF when FTX collapsed but was later able to free him and postpone his trial until the end of the year. This is really absurd. Everything reminds me of the downfall of Mt.gox, almost 9 years have passed, and not a single victim has been able to get their money back.