Senators Question DOJ on Binance’s Trump Ties Amid $4.3 Billion Settlement

Binance, a major crypto exchange, is dealing with a $4.3 billion U.S. enforcement action for previous violations, including sanctions breaches and insufficient money-laundering protections.
Senators Elizabeth Warren, Richard Blumenthal, and Mazie Hirono have questioned the U.S. Department of Justice about potential easing of enforcement on Binance and its ties to the Trump administration.
Changpeng "CZ" Zhao, former Binance leader, pleaded guilty to Bank Secrecy Act violations and served a short prison sentence.
The senators are seeking clarification on reports that Binance may drop its independent compliance monitor and any discussions about pardoning CZ.
BNB token surged past $1,000, becoming the fifth-largest cryptocurrency by market cap as speculation grows about CZ's return.
The U.S. government's stance on digital assets has shifted under President Trump, focusing more on financial innovation and positioning the U.S. as a global crypto hub.
The Securities and Exchange Commission recently moved to dismiss its lawsuit against Binance.