In a development that’s sending ripples through the cryptocurrency world, representatives of President Donald Trump’s family are reportedly in talks to acquire a financial stake in Binance.US, the American arm of the global crypto giant Binance. The news, first reported by The Wall Street Journal, comes as Binance’s founder, Changpeng Zhao (commonly known as CZ), angles for a presidential pardon following his 2024 prison sentence for violating U.S. anti-money laundering laws. The convergence of these high-profile moves has ignited speculation, skepticism, and excitement in equal measure.
A Potential Power Play in Crypto
The Trump family’s interest in Binance.US aligns with the administration’s pro-crypto stance, a cornerstone of Trump’s recent policy pledges. Sources familiar with the matter suggest the deal could involve World Liberty Financial (WLF), a cryptocurrency venture backed by Trump and his sons, Eric and Donald Jr. While details remain murky—such as the size of the potential stake or its final structure—the talks signal a bold step toward intertwining political influence with the fast-evolving digital asset space.
For Binance.US, a partnership with the Trump family could pave the way for a U.S. market resurgence. The exchange has struggled since a $4.3 billion settlement with U.S. authorities in 2023, which saw its market share plummet from 27% to just over 1%. A Trump-backed revival, bolstered by loosened regulatory constraints, could breathe new life into its operations.
Even after that whole 2-year legal saga, they are still writing baseless hit pieces against me today. ♂️
On the bright side, we got two traditional (anti-Trump, anti-crypto) media all thinking I should get a pardon. ?
Inshallah!
— CZ BNB (@cz_binance) March 13, 2025
CZ’s Pardon Push: A Strategic Move?
At the heart of this unfolding story is Changpeng Zhao, Binance’s billionaire founder and largest shareholder. After pleading guilty to anti-money laundering violations, Zhao served a four-month prison stint in 2024, stepping down as CEO but retaining significant influence over the company. Now based in Abu Dhabi, CZ is reportedly seeking a pardon from Trump to erase his criminal record—a move that could lift personal legal restrictions and bolster Binance’s global standing.
However, Zhao took to X on March 13, 2025, to refute key claims. “I have had no discussions of a Binance.US deal with… well, anyone,” he wrote, dismissing the WSJ report as inaccurate. He also addressed the pardon speculation with a wry note: “No felon would mind a pardon, especially being the only one in U.S. history sentenced to prison for a single BSA [Bank Secrecy Act] charge.” While Zhao denies direct involvement, the rumors persist, fueled by posts on X suggesting a quid pro quo: a favorable deal for Binance.US in exchange for clemency.
4. Sorry to disappoint. The WSJ article got the facts wrong.
More than 20 people have told me they were asked by the WSJ (and another media), "Can you confirm that CZ made some deal for a pardon?"
They probably asked hundreds of people to have 20 people reach out to me. In… https://t.co/ELyDPmKD3G
— CZ BNB (@cz_binance) March 13, 2025
Crypto Meets Politics: A Divisive Debate
The potential Trump-Binance.US tie-up has polarized observers. On X, crypto enthusiasts hail it as a bullish signal for digital assets under a Trump administration committed to making the U.S. a “crypto capital.” Others, however, see red flags. “Classic move creating financial ties while facing legal heat,” one user posted, reflecting concerns over conflicts of interest. Critics point to Trump’s history of blending business and politics—such as a Saudi deal for a new Trump Tower—as a troubling precedent.
Adding intrigue, the talks follow a $2 billion investment in Binance by MGX, a UAE-based fund, announced on March 12, 2025. The infusion underscores Binance’s efforts to stabilize its finances, even as its U.S. arm navigates a regulatory minefield.
What’s Next for Binance.US and CZ?
Neither the Trump camp nor Binance has officially confirmed the stake discussions or pardon negotiations, leaving the story in speculative limbo. If realized, the deal could reshape Binance.US’s trajectory and cement Trump’s legacy as a crypto-friendly leader. For CZ, a pardon would mark a personal victory, potentially clearing the path for deeper involvement in the industry he helped pioneer.
As the crypto community watches closely, one thing is clear: the intersection of Trump’s political clout and Binance’s ambitions is a saga with far-reaching implications. Whether it’s a game-changer for cryptocurrency or a cautionary tale of power and profit, only time—and perhaps a presidential pen—will tell.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
