Story perspectives

Trump Pardons Binance Founder Amid Controversy and Scrutiny

10/28/2025

41 4

Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump pardoned Changpeng Zhao, founder of Binance Holdings Ltd., in October 2025.
Zhao pleaded guilty to failing to implement an anti-money laundering program.
Zhao served four months in prison and resigned as Binance CEO.
Binance faced penalties and scrutiny for lax controls enabling illicit activity on its platform.
World Liberty Financial, tied to the Trump family, drew criticism amid a $2 billion Emirati investment via USD1.

1 of 1

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump pardoned Changpeng Zhao, founder of Binance Holdings Ltd., in October 2025.
Zhao pleaded guilty to failing to implement an anti-money laundering program.
Zhao served four months in prison and resigned as Binance CEO.
Binance faced penalties and scrutiny for lax controls enabling illicit activity on its platform.
World Liberty Financial, tied to the Trump family, drew criticism amid a $2 billion Emirati investment via USD1.