**Former Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao Responds to Trump Pardon Controversy**
Former Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao (CZ) has addressed the recent controversy surrounding his pardon by former President Donald Trump. In an exclusive interview with Fox News, CZ revealed that the pardon came as a surprise and stressed that there was no negotiation, deal, or business connection with Trump or his family.
CZ explained that he had met Eric Trump only once at a Bitcoin conference in Abu Dhabi. However, the meeting was brief and unrelated to Binance or any discussions about the pardon.
### Acknowledging Past Legal Issues
During the interview, CZ openly acknowledged his past legal troubles. In 2023, he pleaded guilty to failing to ensure proper compliance measures at Binance, resulting in a four-month prison sentence. He emphasized that taking responsibility for these issues was crucial to moving forward.
With the case now behind him, CZ expressed his desire to focus on helping the United States build a stronger cryptocurrency industry. He noted that regulations are becoming clearer and believes cryptocurrency has evolved from a niche topic to a central part of global finance.
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### Trump: “I Don’t Know Who He Is”
When asked about the decision to grant the pardon, Donald Trump stated that he barely knows who Changpeng Zhao is. He insisted the pardon was not based on any personal relationship.
Trump highlighted his goal for the United States to lead in crypto innovation, pointing out that other nations like China and Japan are advancing rapidly in this sector. He also claimed that the previous administration treated CZ unfairly and stressed the importance of supporting crypto growth to maintain U.S. competitiveness.
Although Trump admitted that his sons are more involved in cryptocurrency than he is, he acknowledged the industry’s significance. He warned that if the U.S. fails to encourage crypto development, the industry will simply move overseas.
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### Congressional Inquiry into the Pardon
The pardon has sparked a formal congressional inquiry. Representative Robert Garcia has requested documents and communication records from the White House concerning CZ, Binance, and the Trump family.
Garcia’s concerns stem from media reports suggesting that Binance once promoted a stablecoin linked to the Trump family and allegedly encouraged a UAE investor to use it while considering investing in Binance.
Calling for full transparency, Garcia has asked that all related records be submitted by November 20, 2025. Lawmakers are investigating whether business connections influenced the pardon, despite denials from both CZ and Trump.
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### Crypto’s Growing Role in Global Politics and Finance
Analysts suggest the focus should move beyond whether a deal existed between CZ and Trump. The key takeaway is that cryptocurrency has entered mainstream politics and global finance.
Leading figures in the crypto industry are now meeting with world leaders, attending major summits, and shaping national policies. This represents a turning point where cryptocurrency is no longer viewed as an outsider sector but as a recognized force influencing the future of global economies and governance.
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