Insightful Editorial Content Backed by Industry Experts
Our editorial team, comprising esteemed industry leaders and experienced editors, is committed to delivering reliable and comprehensive content. Ad Disclosure
Potential Trump Family Investment in Binance US
A recent revelation suggests that the Trump Family may be negotiating a potential investment in the American division of the cryptocurrency exchange Binance. This strategic move could pave the way for Binance’s re-entry into the US market. Concurrently, Binance’s co-founder, Changpeng Zhao, widely recognized as “CZ,” is reportedly seeking a pardon from the Trump administration.
Advertisement Banner
Could the Trump Family Invest in Binance US?
The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) recently disclosed that discussions have been held between representatives of US President Donald Trump’s family and Binance US regarding a potential financial stake. These talks, which allegedly commenced in 2024, are part of Binance’s broader strategy to re-establish its presence in the United States. Reports indicate that Binance approached the Trump camp, proposing a business alliance with the Presidential Family. The company is purportedly eager to resolve its legal challenges and re-enter the US market following Trump’s electoral triumph.
Details about how the Trump family might acquire a stake remain unclear. Sources from the WSJ speculate that the deal could involve the Trump family’s crypto venture, World Liberty Financial (WLF). Additionally, Steve Witkoff, co-founder of WLF and the United States Special Envoy to the Middle East, is rumored to have participated in these discussions. However, a Trump administration official refuted any involvement, asserting that Witkoff is in the process of divesting his business interests.
The report further elaborates that following Trump’s victory, Binance assembled a working group led by CEO Richard Teng. This team, consisting of senior legal and compliance experts, was tasked with exploring options for a US return. Executives recognized that Zhao’s legal conviction posed a challenge, as it would hinder efforts to engage new commercial partners in the US with a felon as a majority shareholder.
Consequently, the company considered a legal strategy reminiscent of Justin Sun’s situation, where the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) paused its lawsuit against him. According to sources, this strategy involved providing capital to World Liberty Financial in exchange for a pardon for Zhao.
CZ’s Response to Pardon Allegations
The WSJ report also suggested that Changpeng Zhao has been actively seeking a pardon from the Trump administration amid ongoing deal discussions, which allegedly persisted post-inauguration. This news stirred discontent among cryptocurrency investors, who perceived the potential pardon-for-investment deal as an escalation of recent controversies surrounding TRUMP and MELANIA memecoins.
In response, CZ vehemently denied these allegations. In a public statement on social media, he clarified, “The WSJ article misrepresented the facts.” He noted that over 20 individuals informed him that they had been approached to verify the alleged pardon deal by the WSJ and other media outlets.
CZ emphasized that he has not engaged in any discussions regarding a Binance US deal. He remarked, “No felon would refuse a pardon, especially as the only individual in US history sentenced to prison for a singular BSA charge.” He suggested that the article was an attempt to undermine both the President and the broader cryptocurrency sector, highlighting the ongoing “war on crypto” from the previous administration.
Meanwhile, Bloomberg reported that WLF has considered collaborating with Binance Holdings Ltd., the world’s largest digital-asset exchange, according to sources familiar with the discussions. Although the precise stage of these negotiations remains unclear, the possibility of developing a US-backed stablecoin in collaboration with the Trump Family’s crypto venture was mentioned.
Editorial Standards at Bitcoinist
At Bitcoinist, our editorial process is dedicated to providing meticulously researched, accurate, and unbiased content. We adhere to rigorous sourcing standards, with each page undergoing thorough review by top technology experts and seasoned editors. This approach guarantees that the information we deliver is reliable, relevant, and valuable for our readers.
“`
