Changpeng Zhao Pardon: ‘I Met Eric Trump Once, That’s It,’ Says CZ

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Former Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao (CZ) has responded to the controversy surrounding his recent pardon by Donald Trump. In an interview with Fox News, CZ said the pardon came as a surprise to him and emphasized that there was no negotiation, no deal, and no business connection with Trump or his family. He explained that he had met Eric Trump only once at a Bitcoin conference in Abu Dhabi, but the meeting was brief and unrelated to Binance or any pardon discussion.

In the interview, CZ acknowledged his past legal issues. He had pleaded guilty in 2023 to failing to ensure proper compliance measures at Binance and served a four-month prison sentence. CZ said taking responsibility was the best way to move forward.

Now that the case is behind him, he wants to focus on helping the U.S. build a stronger crypto industry, adding that regulations are finally becoming clearer. He believes that cryptocurrency has evolved from a niche topic to a central part of global finance.

Trump: “I Don’t Know Who He Is”

After granting the pardon, Trump was asked why he did it. He said he barely knows who CZ is and that the decision was not based on any personal relationship. Trump stated that he wants the United States to lead in crypto innovation, as other countries like China and Japan are moving quickly in the space. He added that the previous administration treated CZ unfairly and that supporting crypto growth is essential for U.S. competitiveness.

Trump also noted that while his sons are more involved in crypto than he is, he understands its importance. In his view, if the U.S. doesn’t encourage crypto development, the industry will simply move overseas.

Congress Questions Motives Behind the Pardon

The pardon has triggered a formal congressional inquiry. Representative Ro b ert Garcia has requested documents and communication records from the White House regarding CZ, Binance, and the Trump family. His concerns follow media reports claiming that Binance once promoted a stablecoin linked to Trump’s family and allegedly encouraged a UAE investor to use it while considering an investment in Binance.

Garcia has called for full transparency and asked that all related records be submitted by November 20, 2025. Lawmakers are examining whether the pardon was influenced by business connections, despite both CZ and Trump denying any such link.

Crypto Enters the Global Power Circle

Analysts say the focus should go beyond whether a deal existed. The key point is that crypto has now entered mainstream politics and global finance. Leading figures in the industry are meeting world leaders, attending major summits, and influencing national policies. This marks a turning point, cryptocurrency is no longer an outsider sector but a recognized force shaping the future of global economies and governance