Trump Pardons Binance Founder Changpeng Zhao, Signaling Shift in Crypto Policies

Tue Nov 11 2025 07:46:02 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a surprising move, President Trump has pardoned Changpeng Zhao, founder of Binance, amid claims of a prior 'war on cryptocurrency' under the Biden administration. This decision reflects a significant policy shift as Trump aims to position the U.S. as a global cryptocurrency leader.

Changpeng Zhao, the founder of Binance, has received a presidential pardon from Donald Trump after serving four months in prison for violations related to U.S. money laundering laws. The pardon comes against the backdrop of Trump's commitment to creating a more crypto-friendly environment, a stark contrast to previous administrations' regulatory approaches.

Changpeng Zhao, founder of the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange Binance, has been pardoned by US President Donald Trump.

Zhao, also known as 'CZ', was sentenced to four months in prison in April 2024 after pleading guilty to violating US money laundering laws.

Binance was ordered to pay $4.3bn (£3.4bn) after a US investigation found it helped users bypass sanctions.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt characterized Zhao's prosecution under the Biden administration as part of a 'war on cryptocurrency'.

She asserted Zhao had been targeted 'despite no allegations of fraud or identifiable victim' and stated that prosecutors' stringent stance had adversely affected the reputation of the United States.

Leavitt concluded, The Biden Administration's war on crypto is over. This historic pardon aligns with the Trump administration's friendlier approach towards cryptocurrency, as Trump is committed to establishing the US as the crypto capital of the world.

Since taking office, Trump has launched his own digital currency and is working to facilitate the integration of cryptocurrencies into American retirement portfolios.

Reports indicate the Trump family has engaged with Binance representatives as the company sought to secure a pardon for Zhao, who completed his prison sentence in September 2024.

Despite his exit from Binance in November 2023 following legal disputes, Zhao's influence persists as the exchange remains a leading platform for digital assets.

Amidst claims from US officials that Binance had overlooked legal obligations, Zhao admitted to his mistakes, emphasizing the importance of accountability.