Trump Pardons Binance’s CZ Amid Controversy

U.S. President Trump pardoned Binance founder Changpeng Zhao, citing innocence and persecution by the Biden administration, according to sources on October 24th.

The pardon signals potential shifts in U.S. crypto-regulatory dynamics, influencing market stability and Binance’s operational strategies.

Trump’s Pardon of Binance CEO Sparks Mixed Reactions

President Trump issued a pardon for Binance founder Changpeng Zhao (CZ), previously convicted of financial violations. Official records confirmed the pardon but lack details on Trump’s reasoning. Binance praised Trump’s decision as “incredible news”.

The pardon might improve U.S. relations and encourage institutional investments, particularly those using Trump-linked stablecoins like USD1. The controversial decision highlights potential shifts in Binance’s strategic priorities.

Binance Spokesperson, “Incredible news of CZ’s pardon today. We thank President Trump for his leadership and for his commitment to make the US the crypto capital of the world. CZ’s vision not only made Binance the world’s largest crypto exchange but shaped the broader crypto movement. Binance remains focused on building a secure, transparent, and user-first platform that reduces fees and increases access to the financial system for all.”

Regulatory Landscape and BNB Volatility Post-Pardon

Did you know? On a previous occasion in 2025, BitMEX also received a U.S. pardon, aiding its market expansion and setting a precedent for similar clemency for crypto executives like CZ.

According to CoinMarketCap, Binance Coin (BNB) was priced at $1,116.61, with a market cap of $155.41 billion as of October 23, 2025. Recent price shifts include a 43.53% increase over 90 days, despite a 2.62% drop in the last seven days.

The Coincu research team notes BNB’s volatility could increase due to regulatory uncertainties post-pardon. U.S. regulatory frameworks might see adaptations impacting the crypto market’s broader financial and technological landscapes.