U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly defended his decision to pardon Binance co-founder Changpeng “CZ” Zhao, insisting that he does not personally know the former crypto executive and rejecting claims that the move was politically driven.
Speaking during an interview on CBS News’ 60 Minutes on Sunday, Trump reiterated that his decision had no personal connection to Zhao, who was convicted of facilitating money laundering in 2023.
“OK, are you ready? I don’t know who he is,” Trump told interviewer Norah O’Donnell. “I heard it was another Biden witch hunt — that’s what I heard.”
The president’s remarks come amid growing scrutiny over alleged ties between Binance and entities connected to Trump’s family business, including the crypto venture World Liberty Financial (WLFI).
Allegations of a “Pay-for-Play”
When asked whether the pardon was influenced by reports that Binance helped finance a $2 billion stablecoin purchase linked to WLFI shortly before Zhao’s release, Trump brushed off the accusation.
“Well, here’s the thing,” he said. “I know nothing about it because I’m too busy doing other things.”
After O’Donnell pressed him further — “But he got a pardon” — Trump shifted the focus to his family’s involvement in the crypto space:
“My sons are into it, and I’m glad they are. It’s probably a great industry — crypto,” he said. “They’re running a business; they’re not in government. I’m proud of them, but I’m focused on being president.”
Trump went on to describe CZ as a “victim of government weaponization,” referring to what he called “corruption under the Biden administration.”
“Make Crypto Great for America”
Trump concluded by emphasizing his broader goal of strengthening the crypto industry in the United States.
“I only care about one thing — making crypto great for America,” he said. “It’s a massive industry now. We’re ahead of China, but they’re catching up fast. If you go after people, you’ll destroy it — and that would be terrible.”
The president’s comments mark his latest attempt to align himself with the growing crypto sector while distancing his administration from allegations of favoritism in the CZ pardon.
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