Pardon or Pay-to-Participate? Trump’s Cryptocurrency Decision Ignites Regulatory Divide
- Trump's pardon of Binance founder Zhao sparks global debate on crypto regulation and political influence. - Zhao, who paid $50M fine for AML failures, faces criticism for alleged ties to Trump's crypto ventures. - White House defends decision as overprosecution, while critics accuse administration of "pay-to-play" corruption. - Binance's BNB surged 15% post-pardon, with analysts calling it a potential "game-changer" for U.S. crypto. - Zhao pledged support for Trump's "crypto capital" vision, fueling spec
President Donald Trump’s decision to grant clemency to Changpeng "CZ" Zhao, the founder of Binance, has sparked a worldwide discussion about the regulation of cryptocurrencies, the influence of politics, and the direction of the U.S. digital asset sector. Announced on October 23, 2025, this action represents a significant change in the federal government’s stance on digital currencies. Both detractors and advocates are describing it as a symbolic conclusion to what the
In 2023, Zhao admitted guilt to failing to implement a robust anti-money laundering (AML) system at Binance, resulting in a four-month prison sentence and a $50 million penalty. The platform itself reached a $4.3 billion settlement with U.S. authorities—the largest fine in crypto history—for breaches such as sanctions violations and operating without proper licensing, as detailed in
The White House has stood by the pardon, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt arguing that Zhao was "overly prosecuted" by the previous administration and that the pardon demonstrates Trump’s dedication to reducing regulation, as previously reported by Coinpaprika. Trump stated that the decision was supported by "many very good people" who believed Zhao’s conduct was not criminal, according to
The pardon has already triggered immediate reactions in the market. Binance’s own token,
Zhao, who still holds a majority stake in Binance, has voiced his appreciation for the pardon and promised to help Trump realize his vision of making the U.S. the "crypto capital," as reported by
As the controversy continues, the pardon highlights the deepening ties between digital assets and politics, with Trump’s administration presenting itself as a proponent of decentralized finance, while critics warn of weakened oversight and ethical concerns.
Disclaimer: The content of this article solely reflects the author's opinion and does not represent the platform in any capacity. This article is not intended to serve as a reference for making investment decisions.
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