CZ Denies WSJ Report on Trump Family Ties and Pardon Request

Binance founder Changpeng Zhao (CZ) has denied a Wall Street Journal (WSJ) report alleging that representatives of Donald Trump’s family held talks to acquire a financial stake in Binance.US. The report also claimed CZ sought a presidential pardon after pleading guilty to violating U.S. anti-money laundering laws in 2023.

Responding on X (formerly Twitter), CZ dismissed the claims, stating, “Sorry to disappoint. The WSJ article got the facts wrong.” He clarified that he had not discussed any Binance.US deal “with… well, anyone.”

CZ further suggested that the article was politically driven, targeting both Trump and the crypto industry, referencing lingering anti-crypto sentiment from the previous administration.

The WSJ, citing unnamed sources, claimed Binance approached Trump’s allies last year to negotiate a deal that could facilitate the exchange’s return to the U.S. It mentioned World Liberty Financial, a crypto venture tied to the Trump family, as a potential partner.

Addressing the pardon speculation, CZ remarked, “No felon would mind a pardon,” adding, “It’s good to see that even WSJ thinks I should be pardoned.”

The controversy highlights the ongoing scrutiny Binance faces in the U.S. while also underscoring the intersection of politics and crypto regulation.