TLDR
- The White House confirmed Trump’s pardon of Changpeng Zhao followed a full legal review process.
- Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the review involved both the DOJ and the White House Counsel’s Office.
- Trump stated he did not personally know Zhao and described the prior prosecution as politically driven.
- Zhao pleaded guilty in 2023 to failing to maintain an anti-money laundering program and served four months.
- Reports linked Trump-associated World Liberty Financial to Binance discussions, which the firm denied as political.
The White House confirmed that former President Donald Trump’s decision to pardon Binance founder Changpeng Zhao went through the full legal review process before final approval. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on Tuesday that the review was conducted with “utmost seriousness” and involved coordination between the Department of Justice and the White House Counsel’s Office.
Speaking at a press briefing, Leavitt said a team of government lawyers examined Zhao’s case before the pardon reached Trump’s desk. She explained that each pardon request receives extensive evaluation to ensure it meets all procedural standards. “There’s a thorough process that involves multiple offices and legal professionals,” Leavitt said. “Every case is reviewed carefully before the president makes a final decision.”
Trump Addresses Zhao Pardon in Interview
In an interview aired Sunday on CBS’s 60 Minutes, Trump said he had no personal knowledge of Zhao and described the prior prosecution as a “Biden witch hunt.” Leavitt later clarified that Trump meant he did not know Zhao personally or have any relationship with him. She reiterated that the decision was based on legal review, not personal ties.
Changpeng Zhao, known in the cryptocurrency industry as CZ, pleaded guilty in 2023 to failing to maintain an effective anti-money laundering program. He served four months in federal prison and was released in September 2024. Trump granted the pardon in October 2025 after internal discussions between the Department of Justice and the White House counsel team.
Links to Business Discussions
Earlier this year, reports from the Wall Street Journal indicated that Trump-linked World Liberty Financial had explored acquiring a stake in Binance.US while speculation grew over Zhao’s potential pardon. World Liberty Financial denied the report and said it was politically motivated.
In May, Abu Dhabi–based MGX announced plans to use World Liberty’s USD1 stablecoin in a $2 billion investment arrangement with Binance. Binance CEO Richard Teng said the company did not participate in that decision and distanced the firm from related negotiations. Leavitt maintained that Zhao’s case reflected what the administration viewed as overreach by a “weaponized DOJ,” consistent with Trump’s earlier remarks regarding the handling of the case.
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Source: https://blockonomi.com/white-house-confirms-legal-review-in-trumps-pardon-of-binance-founder/