Binance Co-Founder Responds to Presidential Pardon
Changpeng Zhao (CZ), co-founder of Binance, has denied any business connection with former President Donald Trump or his family after receiving a presidential pardon. In a Fox News interview on Friday, Zhao stated he was surprised by President Trump�s decision and clarified the nature of his interactions with the Trump family.
CZ Clarifies Interactions with Trump Family
Zhao emphasized that he never met or spoke with Donald Trump directly, either before or after the pardon. He noted a single meeting with Eric Trump at the Bitcoin Middle East and North Africa conference in Abu Dhabi, but said there were no ongoing contacts. "There is no business relationship between me, Binance, and World Liberty Finance," he said. Zhao also mentioned that he was not informed of the status of his pardon during the legal process.
Pardon Draws Varied Reactions
The announcement sparked mixed responses across the political spectrum and the crypto industry. Members of the crypto community welcomed the decision, viewing it as a reversal from the previous administration�s perceived anti-crypto stance. Critics, however, raised concerns about the motivations behind the pardon.
Allegations and Political Response
Rep. Maxine Waters accused President Trump of granting the pardon in exchange for potential crypto investments related to Trump family projects, specifically citing World Liberty Financial (WLFI). These concerns led several Democratic lawmakers, including Senator Elizabeth Warren and Senator Bernie Sanders, to send an open letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi, calling for a review of the circumstances surrounding the pardon.
During a press conference, President Trump said he acted on advice from supporters who argued that Zhao�s actions were not criminal. "He had a lot of support, and they said that what he did is not even a crime," Trump stated.
The debate over the pardon and Binance�s political connections continues amid broader scrutiny of crypto industry ties to policymakers.
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