Former Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao Denies Trump Ties After Surprise Pardon
Changpeng Zhao, the former CEO of Binance, says he was “completely surprised” by his presidential pardon from Donald Trump — and firmly denies any political or business ties to the former president’s family.
“I Never Met Trump,” Says Zhao
In an interview with Fox News, Zhao clarified that he had never spoken with or met Trump, either before or after the pardon was issued. The only interaction involving the Trump family, he said, was a brief meeting with Eric Trump at the Bitcoin Middle East and North Africa Conference in Abu Dhabi.
“There are no business relations between me, Binance, and World Liberty Finance,” Zhao emphasized. “I wasn’t aware of the pardon process or its progress. My lawyers filed the petition in April, and it took several months. I didn’t follow up — there were no signs, no messages, and then suddenly it happened.”
Unexpected Presidential Gesture
The pardon caught much of the crypto industry off guard. Trump’s decision was perceived by some analysts as an attempt to court crypto-friendly voters ahead of the next election cycle. Zhao’s case had become symbolic of broader tensions between U.S. regulators and global digital-asset platforms.
Despite his surprise, Zhao expressed relief and gratitude for being allowed to move on. “It gives me a chance to rebuild and contribute positively to this space again,” he said, adding that he plans to focus on education and blockchain infrastructure rather than exchanges or trading services.
Regulatory and Political Implications
Zhao’s exoneration may mark a turning point in how the United States approaches crypto leadership abroad. Some observers argue that the pardon signals a softening of Washington’s stance toward major crypto figures, while others view it as a politically calculated move with little policy substance.
Either way, the intersection of cryptocurrency and U.S. politics appears closer than ever — and the unexpected redemption of one of its most controversial figures may redefine the relationship between regulation, innovation, and power in the digital-asset era.
Editorial Team — CoinBotLab