"Crypto's gonna make a lot of money for the country." https://t.co/H6g8qriTSC
— CZBNB (@cz_binance) October 25, 2025
Key Developments in Brief
- •Donald Trump has granted a presidential pardon to Changpeng Zhao, the former CEO of Binance, who was convicted for violating anti-money laundering laws.
- •This pardon follows a decree signed by Trump aiming to establish the United States as the global leader in cryptocurrency.
- •Changpeng Zhao has broken his silence, stating that "crypto’s gonna make a lot of money for the country," and welcoming the apparent shift in political favor towards the sector.
- •This renewed engagement between political figures and cryptocurrency stakeholders is reigniting discussions around regulation and the economic potential of the crypto industry.
A Pardon Amidst Regulatory Tensions
On October 22, Donald Trump officially granted a presidential pardon to Changpeng Zhao, the former CEO of Binance, who was found guilty of violating U.S. anti-money laundering laws. This decision, announced with minimal fanfare, was officially justified by humanitarian reasons and an intention to rectify perceived political persecution, according to statements from the former president.
Several key elements provide context for this pardon and its immediate repercussions:
- •Changpeng Zhao pleaded guilty in late 2023 to U.S. authorities regarding systemic compliance failures at Binance.
- •The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) imposed a $4.3 billion fine on Binance as part of a comprehensive settlement.
- •The presidential pardon followed lobbying efforts by Binance, reportedly including alleged support for World Liberty Financial, a crypto project associated with the Trump family.
- •The announcement of the pardon preceded by a few days a significant executive order signed by Trump, suggesting a strategic timing for this political maneuver.
- •Following his conviction, Changpeng Zhao remained publicly silent, but this act of rehabilitation marks his gradual re-entry into the public discourse surrounding cryptocurrency.
While Trump's decision has elicited mixed reactions, it appears to be part of a political strategy aimed at attracting voters interested in Web3 technologies. For Changpeng Zhao, this presidential act signifies more than just legal relief; it restores considerable political influence to his voice at a critical juncture when the United States is contemplating a new era for cryptocurrencies.
A Vision of Prosperity That Divides Opinion
Changpeng Zhao resurfaced publicly on X (formerly Twitter) just days after receiving his presidential pardon. In a concise message, he stated, “crypto will make a lot of money for the country.”
This declaration was made shortly after Donald Trump signed an executive order intended to position the United States as “the global capital of bitcoin and crypto.” This decree is presented as a significant signal to investors and innovators in the sector, with the explicit aim of attracting capital, talent, and crypto projects currently facing regulatory uncertainties in the U.S. back to the country.
By highlighting the potential for cryptocurrencies to “bring money to the country,” Changpeng Zhao aligns with the economic revitalization strategy that leverages digital assets. His message conveys an optimistic outlook: that crypto can serve as an engine for growth, fostering tax revenue generation, technological innovation, and the creation of skilled jobs, provided a supportive legal framework is established.
However, this perspective also raises concerns, particularly regarding the necessity of robust control mechanisms, the risks associated with unmanaged decentralization, and the ongoing challenges of regulating illicit activities within the sector.
The implications of this public statement are multifaceted. On one hand, it enhances Changpeng Zhao's standing as an influential figure capable of impacting a nation's economic policies. On the other hand, it reopens questions about institutional independence in the face of private interests within the crypto space. As the United States re-evaluates its regulatory approach, as evidenced by the vote on the Genius Act, Changpeng Zhao's voice could act as a catalyst for new initiatives or, conversely, intensify the existing tensions between innovation and financial sovereignty.