Binance’s Changpeng Zhao Seeks Trump Pardon, Praises His ‘Business Strategy’

Just months after finishing a four-month prison sentence, Binance founder Changpeng Zhao (CZ) is back in the spotlight – and not quietly. On May 7, 2025, he officially filed a request for a U.S. presidential pardon, hoping President Donald Trump will clear his name.

Zhao was convicted in 2024 for violating U.S. anti-money laundering laws. Now, with crypto regulation shifting under Trump’s pro-business policies, CZ is making a bold move to rewrite his story – and maybe reenter the industry in a big way.

Redemption Begins Now?

Zhao’s legal troubles led to a historic $4.3 billion penalty for Binance and forced him to step down as CEO. The core issue? Weak anti-money laundering systems that allowed suspicious transactions to slip through.

By filing for a pardon, he’s clearly aiming to reclaim his status in the crypto world. It’s a calculated step that could help him reset his public image – from convicted exec to crypto pioneer wronged by a broken system.

Will it play out how he intends it to?

Trump’s “Business Mindset” Gets CZ’s Approval

In a recent interview, Zhao made it clear – he’s a fan of Trump’s leadership style. He praised the former president for treating global diplomacy like a business negotiation, saying it’s more practical and honest than traditional politics.

And for good reason!  Trump’s second term has brought a more crypto-friendly approach, and Zhao’s public support could be a strategic way to align himself with that energy. With Trump in office, Zhao is clearly betting on a second chance – politically and professionally.

“It’s not your typical geopolitical-style negotiation. It’s actually a very typical business type of negotiation. In business, you go super high, then go low, then high again – you fluctuate until you eventually land at a spot that works. That’s very common in the business world.”

However, not everyone sees this as a win. Critics say granting a pardon could hurt ongoing efforts to regulate crypto more strictly and hold bad actors accountable. Regulators will likely view CZ’s move as controversial, especially so soon after his sentencing.

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SBF Watching Closely – Could He Try the Same?

Zhao’s pardon request is also putting a spotlight back on Sam Bankman-Fried (SBF), the former FTX CEO who’s now serving a 25-year sentence for fraud tied to FTX’s collapse.

Sources say SBF’s family and legal team have been quietly pushing for a Trump pardon too. But unlike CZ, SBF faces a bigger uphill battle. His fall triggered massive losses for everyday investors, and he’s seen as a cautionary tale across the industry.

Still, if Trump approves Zhao’s request, it could set a surprising precedent and SBF might try to follow the same path.

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