• President Trump stated he does not personally know Binance founder CZ Zhao despite issuing him a presidential pardon.
• Trump said the pardon aimed to keep the U.S. competitive in crypto and claimed Zhao was treated unfairly by the Biden administration.
• Critics, including Senator Warren, raised concerns over Zhao’s financial ties to Trump-linked ventures, calling the pardon “pay for play.”

In a recent interview with CBS News, President Donald Trump stated he does not personally know Binance founder Changpeng “CZ” Zhao, despite granting him a presidential pardon. The pardon, issued in October, came after Zhao pleaded guilty to violating the Bank Secrecy Act and served a four-month prison sentence. Trump defended the decision as a move to support the U.S. cryptocurrency industry and maintain its global competitiveness.

Trump Says He Never Met Zhao

During the interview, Trump addressed the decision directly, claiming no personal connection to Zhao. He stated, “I don’t know the man at all. I don’t think I ever met him.” Trump went further to suggest that if any interaction happened, it was possibly a handshake or a brief encounter. He emphasized that his choice to pardon Zhao came from external input, not personal involvement.

Explaining his reasoning, Trump told CBS’s Norah O’Donnell that Zhao was “treated really badly by the Biden administration.” He described the former Binance CEO as a “victim of weaponization by government.” Trump said he had been informed that Zhao was “set up,” and his pardon was part of a broader strategy to support innovation and growth in the crypto sector. He stated the goal was to ensure the U.S. remained a global leader in digital currency.

Critics Raise Conflict of Interest Concerns

The conversation regarding Zhao’s pardon is still going, but the truth is still based on Trump’s claim of no personal relationship and his declared willingness to assist the crypto market in America. Nevertheless, detractors keep on doubting the reasons for the decision, pointing to monetary ties and political ramifications.

Trump dismissed the conflict of interest allegations during the CBS interview. He stated that his sons operate separate business ventures and are not involved in government. “My sons are into it. I’m glad they are,” Trump said. He maintained that their work in cryptocurrency does not influence his decisions as president. A lawyer representing Zhao responded to Warren’s comments in an interview with the New York Post. The attorney labeled the senator’s claims as defamatory, arguing that Zhao’s pardon was not connected to any financial contribution or political favor.

The conversation regarding Zhao’s pardon is still going, but the truth is still based on Trump’s claim of no personal relationship and his declared willingness to assist the crypto market in America. Nevertheless, detractors keep on doubting the reasons for the decision, pointing to monetary ties and political ramifications.