Changpeng "CZ" Zhao – The Shib Daily

Hamas Attack Victims Sue Binance, CZ Over $1B Alleged Crypto Aid

Michaela — Wed, 26 Nov 2025 12:19:41 +0000

Crypto exchange Binance and its founder, Changpeng Zhao, are facing a new federal lawsuit alleging the platform knowingly facilitated cryptocurrency transactions for Hamas, with claims stating Binance acted deliberately on a large scale to enable the transfers.

In a recent court filing, families of the victims of the 2023 Hamas attack allege that Binance and Zhao, facilitated the transfer of more than $1 billion in cryptocurrency to terrorist organizations. The complaint claims the exchange acted deliberately and systematically, executing the transactions on what plaintiffs describe as an “industrial scale.”

The plaintiffs claim that Binance knowingly offered financial services to Hamas and took active measures to conceal its Hamas-linked accounts and transactions from U.S. regulators and law enforcement.

According to the plaintiffs, Binance deliberately facilitated financial services for Hamas while actively taking steps to hide the group’s accounts and transactions from U.S. regulators and authorities.

The lawsuit also alleged that Binance used pooled wallets, which offered minimal record-keeping and lax identity verification, enabling potentially unmonitored transactions.

In January, Binance’s legal team appeared before the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, requesting dismissal of a lawsuit brought by families affected by the 2023 Hamas attack. Plaintiffs’ attorneys argued that in 2020, Binance allowed a flagged Hamas VIP to exit the platform without freezing assets, effectively assisting the account holder despite prior warnings.

Furthermore, in October, President Donald Trump granted a pardon to Zhao following extensive lobbying and public appeals asserting his innocence. Zhao had completed a four-month prison sentence in 2024 after pleading guilty to violating U.S. anti-money laundering laws, a case initiated under President Joe Biden’s administration amid heightened regulatory scrutiny of the crypto sector.

As part of the settlement, Zhao stepped down as Binance CEO, paid a $50 million personal fine, and the exchange itself faced a $4.3 billion penalty. Trump’s pardon came amid speculation over potential presidential intervention, though sources noted his administration initially approached the matter cautiously, given Trump’s own connections to the cryptocurrency industry.

The lawsuit spotlights growing concerns over the role of major crypto platforms in monitoring illicit activity, emphasizing how regulatory gaps and platform practices can intersect with global security risks. Observers say the case could set a precedent for holding exchanges and executives accountable for the movement of digital assets linked to sanctioned or terrorist entities, signaling a potentially transformative moment for compliance standards across the crypto industry.

Michaela has no crypto positions and does not hold any crypto assets. This article is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice. The Shib Magazine and The Shib Daily are the official media and publications of the Shiba Inu cryptocurrency project. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial adviser before making any investment decisions.

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CZ’s Lawyer Blasts “False” Claims Linking Binance, Trump Pardon

Michaela — Mon, 17 Nov 2025 10:19:56 +0000

Teresa Goody Guillén, attorney for Binance founder Changpeng “CZ” Zhao, has rejected claims of corruption tied to President Donald Trump’s pardon of Zhao, describing media reports suggesting pay-to-play arrangements as inaccurate and based on misunderstandings of blockchain technology and crypto business practices.

In a recent interview on the Pomp Podcast, Guillén defended Binance founder Zhao’s pardon, arguing that he faced unusually harsh treatment compared to executives at traditional financial institutions who were charged with similar compliance violations. She emphasized that Zhao is the only CEO to have been prosecuted for these specific offenses, even though major banks have faced equal or more severe charges.

President Trump granted a pardon to Zhao in October, sparking intense scrutiny and criticism from lawmakers who allege that financial connections between the Trump family’s crypto ventures and Binance may have influenced the decision.

Critics argue that the timing and circumstances of the pardon raise concerns about potential conflicts of interest and the integrity of the clemency process. Trump, however, has denied any wrongdoing or knowledge of Zhao prior to granting the pardon, framing the decision as a routine exercise of presidential authority.

Guillén stated that Zhao received the pardon because his prosecution was unwarranted, noting that the case involved no fraud, no victims, and no prior criminal history. She attributed the legal action to what she described as the Biden administration’s “war on crypto,” suggesting that regulators singled out Binance and Zhao as high-profile examples.

Furthermore, Guillén rejected claims that Zhao’s pardon was connected to business interactions between Binance and World Liberty Financial (WLFI), a company linked to the Trump family. She compared the situation to a listing on Craigslist, arguing that just because WLFI launched its USD1 stablecoin on the Binance Smart Chain, it does not imply a personal relationship between the company and Binance’s CEO.

In a recent Fox News interview, Zhao denied any business connections between himself, Binance, and World Liberty Financial. He clarified that he had never met or communicated with President Trump before or after receiving the pardon, and that his only interaction with Eric Trump occurred at the Bitcoin Middle East and North Africa conference in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Zhao also stated that he was unaware of the timing or likelihood of the pardon, noting that his lawyers had submitted the request in April and he had no knowledge of its progress.

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Binance Founder Zhao Says He Was “Surprised” by Trump Pardon, Denies Ties

Michaela — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 09:51:13 +0000

Binance founder Changpeng Zhao, commonly known as CZ in crypto circles, said he was somewhat surprised to receive a pardon President Donald Trump and firmly denied claims that the pardon was linked to any business dealings or personal connections with Trump-affiliated companies, describing such allegations as “categorically false.”

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Key points:

Binance founder Changpeng Zhao said he was surprised by his pardon from President Trump and denied any business or personal ties to Trump or affiliated companies.
President Trump described Zhao’s case as politically motivated, while the pardon drew support from the crypto community and criticism from Democratic lawmakers.
Senators expressed concern the pardon could weaken accountability, citing potential links between Zhao, Binance, and the Trump family’s WLFI platform.

“There is no business relationship between me, Binance, and World Liberty Finance,” Zhao stated in an interview with Fox News. Earlier in the interview, Zhao emphasized that he had never met or spoken with President Trump before or after receiving his pardon in October. He added that his only encounter with Trump’s son, Eric Trump, occurred once at the Bitcoin Middle East and North Africa conference in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Zhao stated that he was unaware of the timing or likelihood of his pardon, noting that he believes his lawyers submitted the request in April and that he had no insight into the progress of the process.

At a press conference following Zhao’s pardon, President Trump said he does not personally know the Binance founder but was informed that the case against him was politically motivated, framing it as a form of persecution by the Biden administration.

Following the pardon, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that President Trump exercised his constitutional authority in granting Zhao a pardon, noting that Zhao had faced prosecution amid the Biden administration’s cryptocurrency enforcement efforts. Leavitt added that the decision marked “the end of the Biden Administration’s war on crypto.”

“I want to help America become the capital of crypto,” Zhao further stated in the interview. The pardon sparked a divided response, with members of the crypto community hailing it as a victory for the industry, while Democratic lawmakers criticized the move, alleging political corruption on the part of President Trump.

In an open letter, Senators Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders, Jeffrey Merkley, Chris Van Hollen, Mazie Hirono, Richard Blumenthal, and Jack Reed argued that “the pardon communicates to cryptocurrency executives and other white collar corporate criminals that the law doesn’t matter.” The group is requesting clarification on how President Trump’s pardon of Zhao could impact Attorney General Pam Bondi and the Department of Justice’s ability to “hold criminals accountable.”

The senators’ concerns are fueled by reports suggesting potential links between Zhao, President Trump, and Binance. Last year, the Trump family launched the decentralized finance platform World Liberty Financial (WLFI), which has been reportedly associated with Binance’s operations. Some accounts indicate that Binance helped develop the code for WLFI’s stablecoin, USD1. Lawmakers argue that Zhao’s presidential pardon may have followed Binance’s alleged provision of a “revenue stream that could be worth tens of millions of dollars annually” to the Trump family.

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Binance CEO Denies Role in Trump Family’s $2B Stablecoin Deal

Michaela — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 11:04:18 +0000

Binance CEO Richard Teng has reportedly dismissed claims that the crypto exchange was involved in choosing a stablecoin issued by World Liberty Financial (WLFI), a firm linked to the Trump family, as part of a multibillion-dollar partnership with Abu Dhabi-based MGX.

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Key points:

Binance CEO Richard Teng denied claims that the exchange influenced the use of USD1, a Trump-linked stablecoin, in a $2 billion deal between WLFI and Abu Dhabi-based MGX.
U.S. Senators, led by Elizabeth Warren, criticized former President Trump’s pardon of ex-Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao, calling it a signal of leniency toward white-collar offenders.
Reports suggest Zhao’s pardon followed a lobbying effort tied to Binance, further fueling scrutiny over the crypto exchange’s political and financial influence.

According to a Tuesday report from CNBC, Teng stated that the exchange had no involvement in the decision to utilize USD1, a stablecoin launched by WLFI, in a $2 billion agreement with MGX. His remarks come amid reports and political scrutiny suggesting the exchange’s activities may have influenced President Donald Trump’s decision to pardon former Binance CEO Changpeng “CZ” Zhao.

“First of all, the usage of USD1 [for the] transaction between MGX as a strategic investor into Binance, that was decided by MGX … We didn’t partake in that decision,” Teng stated in a Monday interview with CNBC. The Binance CEO emphasized that the USD1 token had already been listed on several other exchanges prior to its debut on Binance.

Scrutiny surrounding Zhao’s pardon and Binance’s connections to WLFI is intensifying, as a group of U.S. Senators have accused both Binance and the Trump administration of engaging in corrupt practices.

In an open letter, Senators Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders, Jeffrey Merkley, Chris Van Hollen, Mazie Hirono, Richard Blumenthal, and Jack Reed condemned the pardon, writing that it “sends a message to cryptocurrency executives and other white-collar offenders that the law is irrelevant.” The lawmakers also requested clarification on how President Trump’s decision to pardon Zhao could impact Attorney General Pam Bondi and the Department of Justice’s ability to “hold criminals accountable.”

Furthermore, reports have surfaced suggesting that Zhao’s pardon followed a lobbying campaign by Binance, which allegedly involved $450,000 in payments to lobbyists linked to former President Trump and an additional $290,000 to Terese Goody Guillen, Zhao’s attorney and a former SEC chair nominee.

As investigations and political debate intensify, both Binance and its leadership remain under heightened scrutiny from regulators and lawmakers alike. The controversy surrounding Zhao’s pardon continues to raise broader questions about the intersection of cryptocurrency, politics, and influence in the U.S. financial system.

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Trump Defends CZ Pardon, Denies Knowing Binance Co-Founder

Michaela — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 12:29:14 +0000

President Donald Trump has defended his pardon of Binance founder Changpeng “CZ” Zhao, stating he does not personally know Zhao and rejecting claims that the decision was politically motivated or tied to a $2 billion stablecoin deal connected to Trump family-affiliated World Liberty Financial (WLFI).

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Key points:

President Trump defended his pardon of Binance founder Changpeng “CZ” Zhao, denying personal ties and dismissing claims of political motivation or involvement in a $2 billion WLFI stablecoin deal.
Trump emphasized his support for the crypto industry, citing his sons’ involvement, calling Zhao a victim of government “weaponization,” and stating his goal to “make crypto great for America.”
Zhao completed a four-month prison sentence in 2024 for U.S. anti-money laundering violations, resigned as Binance CEO, paid a $50 million fine, and Binance settled for $4.3 billion amid Biden-era crypto enforcement.

In a Sunday interview with CBS News’ 60 Minutes, President Trump stated that he does not personally know Zhao and described the Binance founder’s legal troubles as a “Biden witch hunt.”

When CBS anchor Norah O’Donnell asked about reports that Binance facilitated a $2 billion stablecoin purchase linked to World Liberty Financial, a deal some reports tied to Zhao’s pardon, President Trump dismissed the claims, saying he “[knows] nothing about it because [he’s] too busy.”

When O’Donnell pressed him on pardoning the Binance founder, President Trump said his “sons are into it” and expressed support for the crypto industry, calling it “probably a great industry.” He added that his sons are focused on running their business and are not involved in government.

“I know nothing about the guy, other than I hear he’s a victim of weaponization by the government,” President Trump stated. He added that his primary focus is to “make crypto great for America.”

“Crypto has turned out to be a massive industry, if you want to call it that. And I’m very proud to say we are far ahead of China and everybody else. And China is getting into it in a very big way right now,” President Trump said. “If you go after people, you’re going to kill that industry, and that would be very bad,” he added.

In October, President Trump granted a pardon to Zhao, citing widespread public support and stating that “a lot of people recommended” him and that “people say he wasn’t guilty of anything.”

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that President Trump used his constitutional authority to pardon Zhao, who faced prosecution amid the Biden administration’s cryptocurrency enforcement efforts, adding that the decision marks “the end of the Biden Administration’s war on crypto.”

In 2024, Zhao completed a four-month prison term following a guilty plea for violating U.S. anti-money laundering laws. The case, pursued during President Joe Biden’s broader regulatory crackdown on the crypto sector, also saw Zhao resign as Binance CEO and pay a $50 million personal fine, while Binance agreed to a $4.3 billion settlement.

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Warren Fires Back at CZ’s Defamation Threat, Cites DOJ Money Laundering Plea

Michaela — Mon, 03 Nov 2025 10:00:35 +0000

Senator Elizabeth Warren’s legal team has rejected Binance founder Changpeng “CZ” Zhao’s defamation threat, responding to his complaint over her recent social media post regarding his presidential pardon.

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Key points:

Senator Elizabeth Warren’s legal team rejected Changpeng “CZ” Zhao’s defamation threat, asserting her statement about his money laundering plea was factually accurate and based on public records.
Warren’s response cited a DOJ press release describing Zhao’s guilty plea and Binance’s $4 billion settlement over anti-money laundering violations under the Bank Secrecy Act.
The dispute, emerging after Donald Trump’s pardon of Zhao, spotlights growing political and regulatory tensions between U.S. lawmakers and major crypto industry leaders.

In a formal response dated November 2 and addressed to Zhao’s attorney, Teresa Goody Guillén, Senator Elizabeth Warren’s legal team stated that her comment describing Zhao as having “pleaded guilty to a criminal money laundering charge” was “accurate in all respects,” and therefore does not constitute defamation. “Senator Warren accurately represented publicly available and widely reported facts. The “charge” referenced in Senator Warren’s X post refers to the “charge” to which Mr. Zhao pled guilty and as to which President Trump had just pardoned him,” the response wrote.

Source: Punchbowl News

According to Senator Warren’s response, the charge to which Zhao pleaded guilty involved a violation of U.S. anti-money laundering laws, noting that this information is part of the public record and directly referenced in her post on X. Her legal team further maintained that any potential defamation claim would be baseless and unsupported by fact.

Warren’s attorneys cited a U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) press release dated November 21, 2023, which described Zhao’s case as part of a $4 billion settlement related to violations of anti-money laundering laws.

Zhao entered a guilty plea in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington, admitting to willfully failing to implement an effective anti-money laundering program, a criminal violation of the Bank Secrecy Act. The DOJ characterized Binance’s conduct as “anti-money laundering” violations, citing the Bank Secrecy Act as the primary federal statute governing such offenses.

The ongoing dispute between Senator Warren and Zhao arises from President Donald Trump’s October 22 pardon of the Binance founder. In her official response, Warren’s legal counsel referenced reported lobbying activities and alleged business ties between Binance and ventures linked to the Trump family.

The exchange between Warren and Zhao spotlights the ongoing friction between Washington lawmakers and the crypto industry’s most prominent figures. As digital assets continue to intersect with politics, regulation, and global finance, the outcome of such disputes such as Zhao’s defamation threat, may shape how accountability and influence are defined in the next era of crypto governance.

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CZ Issues Warning After CZ Statue Meme Coin Faces Massive Crash

Michaela — Fri, 31 Oct 2025 15:15:28 +0000

Changpeng “CZ” Zhao, founder and former CEO of Binance, has warned investors that the CZ STATUE meme coin, created around his likeness, could be a highly risky speculative asset.

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Key points:

Changpeng “CZ” Zhao warned investors that the CZ STATUE meme coin could be a highly risky speculative asset and discouraged purchases.
The CZ STATUE token crashed 86% within hours, with over 15% of its supply held by a new wallet, raising concerns of potential insider activity.
The incident spotlights the volatility of celebrity-linked tokens and underscores the importance of due diligence, research, and cautious investing in the crypto market.

“While I want to appreciate the gesture, the fact that there is a meme coin associated with this means the creator probably just wanted to make a quick buck off an interaction from me,” Zhao wrote in an X post, responding to the CZ STATUE account, which had asked for his address to send a golden statue and shared a photo of the item.

While I want to appreciate the gesture, the fact that there is a meme coin associated with this means the creator probably just wanted to make a quick buck off an interaction from me. This is something I don't appreciate. Don't buy the meme.

I would also never accept a statue of… https://t.co/GLmBgxqP6C
— CZ BNB (@cz_binance) October 29, 2025

Zhao added that he did not appreciate the project’s actions and cautioned the public against purchasing the associated meme coin. “I would also never accept a statue of myself. What kind of egomaniac would have a statue of himself in his house?” Zhao further wrote.

According to crypto analytics firm Nansen, the CZ STATUE (CZ STATUE) meme coin dropped 86% within hours after hitting a $5.10 million market capitalization around 10:00 am UTC on Wednesday. Nansen also noted that over 15% of the token supply was held by a newly created wallet, raising concerns about potential insider activity and highlighting risks in the coin’s tokenomics.

The CZ STATUE episode serves as a stark reminder of the volatility and unpredictability inherent in the meme coin market. While celebrity or influencer-linked tokens can generate sudden hype, they often carry little intrinsic value and can expose investors to extreme financial risk.

Experts emphasize the importance of due diligence, understanding the project’s fundamentals, and being wary of schemes that promise quick profits. Regulatory scrutiny over these kinds of tokens is also intensifying, as authorities aim to protect retail investors from misleading or speculative crypto products.

For traders and enthusiasts, this incident emphasizes the need to separate entertainment-driven trends from sustainable investment opportunities. As the crypto space continues to evolve, investors are encouraged to prioritize transparency, research, and informed decision-making over chasing social media buzz. In a landscape where fortunes can rise and fall in hours, caution and education remain the most reliable tools.

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CZ Threatens Lawsuit Against Senator Warren Over Trump Bribery Claim

Michaela — Thu, 30 Oct 2025 09:45:39 +0000

Changpeng “CZ” Zhao, the founder and former CEO of cryptocurrency exchange Binance, is reportedly considering filing a libel lawsuit against Massachusetts Senator Warren over social media statements alleging he bribed President Donald Trump in exchange for a pardon.

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Key points:

Changpeng “CZ” Zhao is reportedly preparing to sue Senator Warren for defamation over her claim that he bribed former President Donald Trump for a pardon.
Zhao’s lawyer has demanded a formal retraction, warning that legal action will follow if the statements are not withdrawn.
The dispute spotlights growing friction between U.S. lawmakers and crypto industry leaders amid ongoing debates over regulation and accountability.

According to the New York Post, Zhao’s attorney, Terese Goody Guillen, is reportedly drafting a letter demanding that Senator Elizabeth Warren issue a formal retraction of her statement. Should she decline to do so, Zhao is expected to move forward with a defamation lawsuit.

“Mr. Zhao will not remain silent while a United States Senator seemingly misuses the office to repeatedly publish defamatory statements that impugn his reputation,” Guillen reportedly wrote in a draft letter. “Accordingly, Mr. Zhao respectfully immediately requests the retraction of these false statements, both within the resolution and on X… Mr. Zhao reserves his right to pursue all legal remedies available to address these false statements,” she added.

In the statement at the center of the dispute, Senator Warren asserted that Zhao had pleaded guilty to a criminal money laundering charge and received a prison sentence, further claiming that he “financed President Trump’s stablecoin and lobbied for a pardon.”

CZ pleaded guilty to a criminal money laundering charge and was sentenced to prison.

But then he financed President Trump’s stablecoin and lobbied for a pardon.

Today, he got it.

If Congress does not stop this kind of corruption, it owns it. pic.twitter.com/NsWeaJcVeK
— Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) October 23, 2025

Zhao responded to Senator Warren’s remarks by saying that she “can’t get her facts right,” emphasizing that he was never charged with money laundering. “The same Senator declared “war on crypto”, on public TV, 5 days before my sentencing, during the Biden Admin,” Zhao wrote.

A US Senator can't get her facts right, in a public post about a person's charge. There were NO money laundering changes.

The same Senator declared "war on crypto", on public TV, 5 days before my sentencing, during the Biden Admin.

Need a better example of weaponization of… https://t.co/87gTMP6mcn pic.twitter.com/4j1Us48Nop
— CZ BNB (@cz_binance) October 24, 2025

In 2023, Zhao admitted guilt to a single charge for failing to implement an adequate Anti-Money Laundering program at Binance, in violation of the Bank Secrecy Act. He subsequently served a four-month prison sentence, paid a $50 million fine, and stepped down from his role as CEO of the exchange.

President Trump granted Zhao a pardon on October 23, a move that drew both praise and criticism from various sectors. During a press conference the next day, Trump said the decision was driven by widespread public support, adding that “a lot of people recommended” Zhao and that “people say he wasn’t guilty of anything.”

The dispute marks the latest flashpoint in the ongoing tension between policymakers and key figures in the crypto industry, as questions over accountability, regulation, and reputation continue to shape the sector’s evolving landscape.

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Trump Pardons Binance Founder CZ, Declares “War on Crypto Is Over”

Michaela — Fri, 24 Oct 2025 01:57:19 +0000

President Donald Trump has granted a pardon to Binance founder Changpeng “CZ” Zhao following widespread lobbying efforts and public appeals asserting his innocence, signaling Trump’s apparent sympathy toward those arguments.

Key points:

President Donald Trump granted a full pardon to Binance founder Changpeng “CZ” Zhao, ending speculation and signaling a softer stance toward crypto.
The move follows Zhao’s four-month prison term and comes amid claims from his legal team that his conviction involved no fraud, victims, or money laundering.
The pardon is widely seen as a turning point in U.S. crypto policy, marking what Trump’s team calls “the end of the Biden Administration’s war on crypto.”

According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, sources revealed that President Trump signed the pardon on Wednesday. Speaking at a press conference the following day, Trump explained that his decision was influenced by strong public backing, noting that “a lot of people recommended” Zhao and that “people say he wasn’t guilty of anything.”

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced Thursday that President Trump exercised his constitutional authority in granting a pardon to Zhao, who had been prosecuted under the Biden administration’s crackdown on cryptocurrency. Leavitt added that the move signaled “the end of the Biden Administration’s war on crypto.”

In 2024, the Binance founder completed a four-month prison sentence after pleading guilty to breaching U.S. anti-money laundering laws. The case, brought under President Joe Biden’s administration during a broader regulatory push against the crypto industry, also led to Zhao stepping down as Binance CEO and paying a $50 million personal fine. Binance, meanwhile, faced a $4.3 billion penalty as part of the settlement.

Trump’s decision to pardon Zhao follows recent speculation over whether the president would intervene in the case. However, sources indicated that his administration had initially approached the matter with caution, aware of potential scrutiny given Trump’s own ties to the cryptocurrency industry.

Teresa Goody Guillén, Zhao’s legal counsel, stated in a post on X that she believes President Trump’s decision to pardon Zhao was justified, noting that Zhao had faced only a single charge related to maintaining an ineffective compliance program. “NO fraud, NO victims, NO criminal history. NO money laundering,” Guillén wrote.

Facts Matter: @cz_binance was rightfully pardoned by @POTUS for a single charge of failure to have an effective compliance program. NO fraud, NO victims, NO criminal history. NO money laundering.

CZ is the first and only known first-time offender in U.S. history to receive a…
— Teresa Goody Guillén (@teresagoody) October 23, 2025

“CZ is the first and only known first-time offender in U.S. history to receive a prison sentence for this single, non-fraud-related charge,” Guillén added. “The judge found NO evidence that he knew of any illicit transactions and that it was reasonable for him to believe there were no illicit funds on the platform.”

Zhao’s pardon marks another high-profile moment in the evolving relationship between U.S. political power and the cryptocurrency industry, signaling that digital asset regulation, and accountability, will likely remain at the forefront of national debate as the sector continues to mature.

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Trump May Pardon Binance Founder CZ as White House Weighs Backlash

Michaela — Mon, 13 Oct 2025 10:40:44 +0000

President Donald Trump has reportedly been weighing the possibility of granting a pardon to Binance founder and former CEO Changpeng “CZ” Zhao, a move that would erase Zhao’s felony conviction and allow him to resume business activities in the United States without legal barriers.

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Key points:

President Trump is reportedly considering a pardon for Binance founder CZ, which would erase his felony conviction and allow him to resume U.S. business activities.
Discussions in the White House are ongoing, with some advisers viewing Zhao’s case as weak, though others are cautious about optics due to Trump’s crypto ties.
Zhao served a four-month prison term in 2024 for a single Bank Secrecy Act violation, and a pardon could reshape how U.S. authorities handle major crypto cases.

Financial journalist Charles Gasparino reported that discussions within the White House about a potential pardon for Zhao have intensified, citing sources familiar with the matter. According to Gasparino, several of Trump’s advisers view the case against the Binance founder as weak, arguing that it did not warrant a felony conviction or prison sentence.

SCOOP: People close to @cz_binance, the former @binance chief who spent some time in the can amid the Biden Admin's crackdown on all things crypto, say discussions inside the White House are heating up on the possibility of a pardon from @realDonaldTrump. Many Trump insiders…
— Charles Gasparino (@CGasparino) October 10, 2025

“Trump, people close CZ say, is leaning toward a pardon (consider the source), which could set the stage for CZ’s return to the crypto exchange since he remains Binance’s largest shareholder,” Gasparino wrote in an X post.

Gasparino added that certain White House aides are cautious about the optics of a possible pardon due to the president’s crypto business connections, and noted that talks on the issue are still evolving.

In 2024, Zhao served a four-month prison term after pleading guilty to violations of U.S. anti-money laundering regulations. The case, pursued during President Joe Biden’s administration amid a wider regulatory crackdown on the crypto sector, also required Zhao to resign as Binance CEO and pay a $50 million personal fine, while Binance itself was penalized $4.3 billion as part of the settlement.

Additionally, Zhao responded to Gasparino’s report, thanking him for the coverage and calling it “great news” if White House discussions were accurate. He clarified that he had pleaded guilty to only a single violation of the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA). Gasparino remarked that receiving a prison sentence for a non-fraud offense was “insane.”

Source: Changpeng Zhao

“I believe I am [the] only person to ever be sentenced to jail in US history for a single violation of BSA, with no other charges, no prior history,” Zhao wrote.

Prosecutors accused Binance of enabling transactions connected to sanctioned countries and illegal activity. However, U.S. District Judge Richard Jones noted Zhao’s cooperation, remorse, and previously clean record as mitigating factors, resulting in a significantly reduced sentence, much lighter than the 36 months initially sought by the Department of Justice.

If granted, the pardon could signal a broader shift in how U.S. authorities approach high-profile crypto cases, potentially influencing investor confidence and regulatory strategies across the industry.

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Binance CEO Slams FT, Reuters & Forbes for ‘Tinfoil Hat’ Reporting

Michaela — Fri, 03 Oct 2025 06:39:50 +0000

Binance founder Changpeng “CZ” Zhao has criticized the Financial Times and Reuters, accusing the media outlets of poor reporting after they questioned him over the exchange’s alleged connection to a Trump-linked stablecoin.

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Key points:

Binance founder Changpeng “CZ” Zhao accused Financial Times, Reuters, and Forbes of biased reporting, dubbing them part of a “Tinfoil Hat Club.”
Zhao claimed the outlets sent him nearly identical inquiries about Trump-linked investigations, Binance’s Abu Dhabi investment, and SEC actions.
He argued the coordinated questions aimed to damage his and Binance’s reputation, highlighting the growing tension between crypto exchanges and global regulators.

In a post on X, Zhao ridiculed the two publications, suggesting they had joined what he called the “Tinfoil Hat Club.” He went on to speculate whether the outlets might share the same ownership behind the scenes.

Breaking: FT & Reuters just launched a joint venture… the Tinfoil Hat Club. Or are they "owned" by the same "owner" behind the scenes?

Two outlets, sent the same FUD script, same deadline. At least change the font, guys.

Journalist diligence = ask my perspective →… pic.twitter.com/ScyuVIrtgk
— CZ BNB (@cz_binance) October 1, 2025

Zhao said both the Financial Times and Reuters had sent him nearly identical inquiries about an investigation into pardons and dismissed lawsuits from the Trump administration. He claimed the reporters presented their outreach as an effort to provide balance, but ultimately disregarded or misrepresented his responses.

“Two outlets, sent the same FUD script, same deadline. At least change the font, guys,” Zhao wrote. “Journalist diligence = ask my perspective → ignore it → warp it → then ask me to validate fake news about someone else → twist that too. Sounds about right,” he added.

In a separate X post, the Binance founder broadened his criticism to include Forbes, alleging that the three outlets were acting under the influence of a single “puppet master.” Zhao also published screenshots of emails from the publications which sought comment on Binance’s $2 billion investment agreement with Abu Dhabi’s MGX and the Trump-associated World Liberty Financial’s USD1 stablecoin.

It's a triple JV. FT, Reuters, and now Forbes all work for the same sponsor / "puppet master"? "journalism"

Someone (who is probably really scared) is in attack mode. https://t.co/nm3Lw15TC9 pic.twitter.com/oprhQ3L6Ia
— CZ BNB (@cz_binance) October 1, 2025

One of the emails sent to Zhao also referenced the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) decision earlier this year to dismiss a lawsuit against him and Binance.

Zhao’s decision to publish the message publicly signaled his view that the inquiries were not isolated, but rather part of a coordinated effort to damage both Binance and his personal reputation.

The controversy arrives at a time when global crypto markets remain under pressure from shifting regulations, high-profile lawsuits, and uncertain political currents. For Binance, the scrutiny reflects the broader challenges facing exchanges as they balance expansion with heightened oversight from governments and regulators worldwide.

For investors and everyday users, it serves as a reminder that the future of digital finance is being shaped not just by technological innovation, but also by the power struggles, alliances, and narratives unfolding around it.

The Shib Social Feed

The post Binance CEO Slams FT, Reuters & Forbes for ‘Tinfoil Hat’ Reporting first appeared on The Shib Daily.

CZ Is Coming Home: A Bull Run or Just Bull?

Lawrence Damilola — Sat, 14 Sep 2024 13:57:42 +0000

The crypto world’s favorite rogue founder, Changpeng “CZ” Zhao, is about to make his grand return to the wild west of blockchain! Set to be released from his “halfway house” on Sept. 29, 2024, CZ’s imminent release is sparking all kinds of speculation across the cryptosphere.

Will his return mark a bullish rally for the crypto market, or will it be just another episode in the ever-dramatic reality show of crypto?

For those who need a quick recap: CZ, the former CEO of Binance, has been chilling in a federal facility after pleading guilty to violations of the Bank Secrecy Act. In a blockbuster plea deal back in November 2023, Binance forked over a cool $4.3 billion in fines while CZ took a four-month timeout from his empire.

But wait—there’s more! As part of the deal, our crypto maverick got a lifetime ban from ever managing or operating Binance again. Yes, you heard it right, folks—a lifetime ban! So, while he might be free soon, don’t expect to see him behind the controls of the Binance spaceship anytime soon.

CZ coming home is a much more bullish event than CT realizes. He's a real hero crypto can rally behind

Unjustly imprisoned by an administration that can't even pronounce "Binance" and who thinks crypto is where they bury Egyptian Pharoahs, he sacrificed freedom for our ETFs pic.twitter.com/aZxnSGTuYU
— artchick.eth (@digitalartchick) August 18, 2024

Now, let’s talk market vibes. With the countdown to CZ’s release ticking away, crypto Twitter is buzzing louder than a blockchain node farm on overdrive. Many are hoping that CZ’s comeback will pump up the BNB price, which has already been making a modest recovery dance around the $500 mark.

And why not? After all, who doesn’t love a good redemption arc? “CZ is back, baby!” could be the tagline of this week’s meme parade. .

CZ's return is likely to trigger a major altseason, and you can start preparing for it right now. pic.twitter.com/V1ZtRQru5G
— Binan Smart Kid (@Binansmartkid) September 10, 2024

But hold your horses (or should we say crypto bulls?)—CZ won’t be returning to his throne at Binance. Nope! As part of his “I’m totally not going to run this company anymore” agreement, he’s barred from any managerial roles at Binance for life.

And yet, some enthusiasts are speculating about his next big move. Perhaps a new venture? Maybe he’ll pop up with a “Binance Lite” version that operates out of some undisclosed location—preferably on a private island. Or will he be starting a YouTube channel? “CZ Explains It All,” where he breaks down DeFi, dodges jail stories, and spills tea on crypto gossip.

The crypto community is eagerly waiting for Sept. 29, not just to see CZ walk free, but to see how this next chapter unfolds. Will the “CZ effect” propel Binance Coin to new highs, or is this just another chapter in the crypto soap opera we all love to watch? Tune in for upcoming updates in the forthcoming weeks, and as always, keep those diamond hands strong!

So, grab your popcorn and get ready for the show. The only thing guaranteed in crypto is that there’s never a dull moment!

Disclaimer: Before you YOLO your life savings based on a joke here, remember—we’re meme masters, not financial advisors! This article is just for laughs, not investment advice. Always do your research, or at least ask someone who won’t say, “I told you so.” And hey, if CZ starts a reality show, we want in!

The post CZ Is Coming Home: A Bull Run or Just Bull? first appeared on The Shib Daily.

Changpeng "CZ" Zhao – The Shib Daily

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