- •White House intensifies talks on Trump’s possible pardon for CZ.
- •Prediction markets surge as speculation grows around Binance founder’s fate.
- •Trump insiders weigh political risks of pardoning prominent crypto executive.
A fresh wave of discussions has reportedly emerged inside the White House as President Donald Trump weighs the possibility of granting a pardon to Binance co‑founder Changpeng “CZ” Zhao. According to Fox Business correspondent Charles Gasparino, several of Trump’s close advisers believe the case against CZ was weak and did not merit a felony conviction or jail term.
People familiar with the matter revealed that the idea of a presidential pardon has gained momentum in recent days. While many within Trump’s circle support the move, concerns remain about the potential backlash and optics surrounding such a decision, especially given the president’s growing association with the digital asset industry.
CZ, who served a four‑month sentence last year, pleaded guilty in 2023 to failing to maintain an effective anti‑money‑laundering program. He was also ordered to pay a $50 million fine, while Binance agreed to a $4.3 billion settlement with U.S. authorities—one of the largest corporate penalties in history.
Rising Speculation and Political Calculations
Following reports of the ongoing White House talks, prediction markets reacted sharply. The probability of CZ receiving a presidential pardon surged by more than 20 percent on the trading platform Kalshi. This sudden rise indicates renewed confidence among investors and observers that a decision could be forthcoming.
Although CZ remains Binance’s largest shareholder, his plea deal with the U.S. government included a lifetime ban from participating in the company’s management. Binance CEO Richard Teng reaffirmed this in a previous interview, emphasizing that the agreement permanently restricts CZ’s operational involvement.
Still, some insiders close to the administration argue that granting a pardon could reshape the political and regulatory landscape of the crypto industry. They claim the original case lacked strong evidence and that clemency could symbolize a broader shift in Washington’s approach to digital assets.
However, critics warn that the optics of such a move could be damaging, particularly as members of Trump’s family have become increasingly involved in cryptocurrency ventures. Despite the mounting debate, the White House remains cautious, balancing internal support with the potential political cost of extending a pardon to one of the most influential figures in global crypto.