8-5-2025 – Former Binance chief executive Changpeng Zhao has disclosed his pursuit of presidential clemency from Donald Trump, marking a significant development in his post-incarceration journey.
The cryptocurrency mogul, widely known as “CZ”, confirmed submitting a formal pardon application through his legal representatives. The move follows media speculation by Bloomberg and The Wall Street Journal regarding his potential pardon-seeking endeavours and alleged business connections with Trump family associates.
The timing of Zhao’s application appears strategic, coming in the wake of these press reports, which he had initially contested as inaccurate, particularly regarding supposed negotiations involving Binance’s American operations. “The media coverage essentially prompted our official submission”, Zhao remarked during his appearance on Farohk Radio.
The context of this appeal stems from Zhao’s conviction for regulatory breaches at Binance, which culminated in a four-month prison sentence concluding in September 2024. The case centred on inadequate anti-money laundering protocols at what was then the world’s preeminent cryptocurrency exchange. The prosecution resulted in Zhao paying a $50 million personal penalty, whilst Binance faced a landmark $4.3 billion settlement.
Trump’s presidency has previously demonstrated a sympathetic stance towards cryptocurrency sector figures, with pardons extended to notable individuals including Ross Ulbricht of Silk Road fame and BitMEX’s founding team. This pattern emerged alongside his administration’s generally supportive approach to cryptocurrency regulation.
During the podcast, Zhao also touched upon cryptocurrency developments in Central Asia, noting his advisory role to Kyrgyzstan regarding the potential incorporation of Bitcoin and BNB into their proposed National Crypto Reserve. He explicitly distanced himself from involvement in Trump’s official memecoin venture.
