Former U.S. President Donald Trump has pardoned Binance founder Changpeng Zhao (CZ), who was charged with violating U.S. Anti-Money Laundering (AML) laws. This decision was made in October 2025, following Trump's previous pardons of other crypto figures.
Trump Pardons CZ Amid Legal Controversy
Zhao, also known as CZ, is the founder of Binance, the world's largest crypto exchange. The pardon has sparked significant debate because Trump stated that he believes CZ’s actions might not constitute a crime.
Pardon Triggers Binance Token Discussion
The pardon has not been linked to notable financial or institutional investments. Cryptocurrency discussions surrounding Binance's native token, BNB, increased significantly; however, direct financial metrics have not shown material shifts.
Potential financial and regulatory outcomes remain uncertain. Market observers highlight the lack of official statements from Binance or U.S. financial regulators. The situation is reminiscent of Trump's previous pardon affecting crypto regulatory discourse.
Trump’s Pardons Stir Crypto Community
Trump's pardon recalls his 2025 pardon of Ross Ulbricht, which also stirred crypto community outrage and regulatory tensions. These actions typically generate short-term market volatility without long-term impact on financial markets.
Experts believe the pardon could influence broader regulatory changes in the crypto space. Kanalcoin analysts suggest potential shifts in regulatory approaches, although the immediate effects on cryptocurrency markets remain unclear.
"I was told that the actions taken by him may not have been criminal," stated Donald Trump, emphasizing his reasoning behind the pardon decision.