Binance’s CZ Denies Business Ties with Trump After Pardon Scrutiny

Binance founder and former CEO Changpeng Zhao (CZ) addressed scrutiny about his alleged ties with President Donald Trump following a pardon issued by Trump in October 2025.

Key Points:

Zhao denied any business relationship with the Trump family, stating claims are inaccurate and misconstrued.
Focus has been on Binance's link to Trump-associated DeFi venture World Liberty Financial (WLFI), which involved a $2 billion investment by Abu Dhabi's MGX using USD1 stablecoin.
Zhao clarified that MGX chose the payment method and emphasized no deeper relationship exists due to the use of USD1.
WLFI spokesperson stated their non-involvement in the pardon process, denying political influence allegations.
Trump distanced himself from Zhao, claiming no personal connection and labeling him a victim of the Biden administration.
Reports highlighted Binance's lobbying efforts in Washington, involving Checkmate Government Relations, but Zhao refuted connections between lobbying and his pardon.

Binance

At the time of writing, BNB was trading at $893, down 4% over the past week but up 30% year-to-date.