- The Trump family is reportedly exploring a significant investment in Binance US, which is working to recover from regulatory issues.
- CZ, seeking a presidential pardon, hopes Trump’s intervention could erase his criminal record and restore his financial influence.
Donald Trump’s family is reportedly exploring a significant investment in the US arm of Binance, the cryptocurrency exchange that recently made headlines for its $4.3 billion legal settlement. This development comes as the exchange’s founder, Changpeng “CZ” Zhao, is actively seeking a presidential pardon to clear his record following his guilty plea in 2023.
According to The Wall Street Journal, discussions between Trump’s representatives and Binance US began after the exchange reached out to Trump allies earlier this year. Binance reportedly proposed a potential deal as part of its broader effort to revive its US operations, which had been severely impacted by regulatory scrutiny.
Meanwhile, CZ—who stepped down as Binance’s CEO last year and served a four-month sentence—is hoping for Trump’s intervention to secure a pardon. If granted, this could erase his criminal record, potentially paving the way for him to re-enter the US financial system.
Binance’s $4.3B Fine and Trump’s Possible Investment Twist
The Trump family’s potential stake in Binance US remains undefined, with details still under negotiation. However, reports suggest that the investment could be routed through World Liberty Financial, a crypto-focused venture backed by Trump associates. This aligns with Trump’s involvement in cryptocurrencies, as seen with the launch of the $TRUMP memecoin, which reportedly generated at least $350 million shortly after its release.
Binance’s legal troubles began in 2023 when the exchange faced major regulatory challenges, leading to its $4.3 billion settlement over anti-money laundering violations. The penalties forced CZ to step down, and the exchange underwent significant restructuring. Despite this, CZ is still believed to be the largest shareholder of Binance US, giving him considerable influence over its future direction.
If the Trump family proceeds with the investment, it could significantly impact Binance US’s standing in the American market. Additionally, the intersection of Trump’s financial interests with CZ’s legal ambitions raises questions about the potential implications of a presidential pardon for the embattled crypto mogul.
Crypto, Politics, and Potential Conflicts of Interest
Trump’s recent executive order establishing a strategic cryptocurrency reserve has already sparked concerns about conflicts of interest. The initiative involves government-controlled digital assets, raising eyebrows due to the crypto industry’s financial support for Trump’s campaign and his family’s deepening ties to the sector.
The potential Binance investment only amplifies these concerns, particularly if CZ’s pardon becomes part of the equation. Some speculate that the exchange’s willingness to bring Trump’s family on board could be linked to hopes of securing favorable treatment from his administration. However, there is no concrete evidence that the investment talks and the pardon request are directly connected.
With Binance US resuming USD services after Trump took office in January, the company appears to be positioning itself for a strong comeback. If the Trump family follows through with its investment, Binance could see a resurgence in the American market—possibly with the backing of the most powerful political family in the country.
