Why did Trump pardon CZ? What was Trump's motive?

Curious about why Trump pardoned Changpeng Zhao, aka CZ, the Binance founder? This bold move has crypto fans and critics buzzing. 

From legal drama to Trump’s crypto-friendly agenda, we’ll dive into why Trump pardons CZ and what’s driving it. Let’s explore the Trump pardons crypto saga and its impact on the digital currency world.

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CZ’s Legal Woes: The Backstory

In 2023, Binance, the world’s top crypto exchange, got hit hard by U.S. regulators. They dodged anti-money-laundering rules, letting users bypass sanctions. 

Changpeng Zhao, or CZ, pleaded guilty to one charge, admitting his mistakes. He called stepping down as CEO the right move to take responsibility.

A Short Sentence and Huge Fines

By April 2024, CZ landed a four-month prison stint, ending in September. Binance paid a whopping $4.3 billion fine, one of the largest ever. 

Former Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen blasted them for allowing funds to flow to terrorists and cybercriminals, posing risks to national security.

Read Also: Trump’s Crypto Push and Florida’s Bitcoin Reserve Amid U.S.–China Tariff Tensions

The Pardon: What Went Down?

On October 23, 2025, Trump granted CZ a full pardon. White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said it was about fixing Biden’s “war on crypto.” 

She claimed no fraud or victims were involved, just overzealous prosecution. CZ took to X, saying he’s “grateful” and ready to make America the “Crypto Capital.”

How It Affects CZ and Binance

The pardon lifts CZ’s restrictions on running financial ventures. He could return as Binance’s CEO, though U.S. regulators might still watch closely. 

Binance, handling $65 billion in daily trades from the Cayman Islands, hailed it as “incredible news” for their global crypto dominance.

Trump’s Crypto Push: Why Pardons?

Trump’s gone all-in on crypto since his January 2025 inauguration. He’s loosened regulations, proposed a national crypto reserve, and pushed for easier access to digital assets via retirement funds. 

Pardoning CZ aligns with his goal to undo Biden’s strict policies, which hit Binance with a multi-agency crackdown in 2023.

Other Crypto Figures Trump Freed

CZ’s not the only one. Trump’s pardoned others in the crypto space, showing a pattern:

• Ross Ulbricht: Freed from a life sentence for running Silk Road, a dark web drug marketplace.

• Justin Sun and BitMEX Founders: Cleared of fraud and laundering charges after ties to Trump’s crypto ventures. These moves signal Trump’s commitment to a crypto-friendly America.

Read Also: Crypto Market Crashes After Trump’s Tariffs, What Should Investors Do Now?

What’s Trump’s Real Motive?

The White House says it’s about justice. Leavitt called Biden’s actions a blow to U.S. tech leadership. 

Trump’s pro-crypto campaign, including launching his own meme coin, backs this up. CZ’s year-long lobbying for a pardon fit perfectly with Trump’s promise to make the U.S. a crypto hub.

Business Ties Raise Eyebrows

Here’s the juicy part. Binance has deep ties to Trump’s family ventures, like World Liberty Financial, which earned them $4 billion. 

CZ’s firms also linked with Dominari Holdings, based in Trump Tower with Trump sons on its board. Binance’s new lobbyist, Charles McDowell, a Don Jr. pal, was paid $450k to push for “executive relief.”

Critics Aren’t Buying It

Not everyone’s cheering. Senator Elizabeth Warren called the pardon “corruption,” pointing to CZ’s guilty plea and his firms’ ties to Trump’s ventures. 

Even Trump ally Joe Lonsdale warned it looks like “massive fraud.” Critics argue Trump pardons Binance founder CZ for personal gain, not justice.

Trump’s Shaky Response

When asked about CZ, Trump played clueless: “The crypto person?” He later said “good people” requested the pardon. 

The White House insists all pardons were vetted, but with Trump’s family raking in crypto profits, skeptics see more than just a pro-innovation motive.

What’s Next for Crypto?

Trump’s pardon of CZ sends a loud message: the U.S. wants to lead crypto. It frees a major player and fuels Binance’s global reach. 

But the debate over Trump’s motives, innovation vs. family profits, keeps the crypto world on edge. Here’s what it means for you:

• More Crypto Freedom: Expect fewer regulations and more investment options.

• Market Growth: Platforms like Binance could see bigger trading volumes.

Read Also: Government Shutdown in the US: Here Are the Details

Conclusion

Trump pardons Changpeng Zhao to push crypto forward, but the family business ties spark controversy. 

Whether it’s about fairness or profit, this move shakes up the crypto game. Want to ride this wave? Try Bitrue for secure, easy trading and staking. Sign up now to join the crypto revolution!

FAQ

Why did Trump pardon CZ?

Trump pardoned CZ to boost his pro-crypto agenda and roll back Biden’s strict crypto policies, framing it as a move to support innovation and U.S. tech leadership.

What does the pardon mean for CZ and Binance?

The pardon clears CZ’s legal restrictions, possibly paving the way for his return as Binance’s CEO and giving Binance more freedom to expand its U.S. presence.

Was there any connection between Trump and Binance?

Yes, Binance reportedly had ties to Trump-linked ventures like World Liberty Financial and Dominari Holdings, raising questions about personal interests behind the pardon.

How does this impact the crypto market?

It signals a bullish U.S. stance on crypto, encouraging growth, looser regulations, and higher trading volumes across major exchanges like Binance.

Why are critics calling the pardon controversial?

Critics argue it’s less about justice and more about money, citing CZ’s guilty plea and Binance’s financial ties to Trump’s family businesses.

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