In recent events, Changpeng “CZ” Zhao, co-founder of Binance, has addressed rumors regarding his alleged ties with Donald Trump and his administration. This statement comes amidst speculation over Trump’s pardon of Zhao, which was noted in October 2025.
CZ Clarifies His Position on Trump
During a candid discussion featured on FOX News on November 7, Zhao expressed his astonishment at the US President’s choice to pardon him. Initially charged with violations related to anti-money laundering (AML) regulations in 2023, Zhao’s case drew significant media attention.
As part of the fallout from his legal troubles, Binance faced a hefty fine of $4.3 billion, resulting in Zhao’s resignation and subsequent four-month jail term. Following his release in September 2024, the presidential pardon provided a clean slate regarding Zhao’s criminal record.
Although various sources suggested that Binance and Zhao were involved in lobbying efforts that led to the pardon, these claims have been met with numerous denials. Trump publicly addressed the allegations, stating he was unfamiliar with Zhao and emphasized that his sons were influential in advocating for the pardon.
CZ firmly rejected any notion of business partnerships with the Trump family or their cryptocurrency initiatives, saying, “This information is completely false. There has been no collaboration or talks on any front.”
In light of his decision to enter a guilty plea regarding the Bank Secrecy Act violations, Zhao has articulated his belief that confronting the issue directly is the most effective strategy moving forward. “We need to face challenges head-on and work towards solutions,” he stated.
US Emerges as a Leader in Crypto Regulation: CZ
According to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, Trump’s clemency extended to certain figures in the cryptocurrency sector signifies a shift in regulatory attitudes toward the industry, counteracting the previous administration’s stance. In his interview, Zhao commended the GENIUS Act as a critical step forward for American cryptocurrency regulation.
Zhao conveyed optimism about the growing clarity in regulations within the US, which he believes benefits the crypto landscape. He remarked, “During the prior administration, there was a foggy regulatory environment surrounding crypto, which complicated matters considerably. Now, the trajectory shows that the US is poised to lead effectively in this space.”
