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>>Trump granted a pardon to former Binance CEO CZ after a pricey lobbying push in Washington

Trump granted a pardon to former Binance CEO CZ after a pricey lobbying push in Washington

crypthub

4 days ago

Lobbying Campaign

Binance hired Ches McDowell, a Trump Jr. associate, through Checkmate Government Relations to press the White House and Treasury for executive relief. The firm was paid $450,000 for a month and earned more than $7.1 million in three months. Binance also retained crypto lawyer Teresa Goody Guillén, whose firm received $290,000 this year. The lobbying effort focused on securing a pardon for former CEO Changpeng “CZ” Zhao.

Legal Background

Zhao served a four‑month prison term last year after violating U.S. anti‑money‑laundering rules. President Donald Trump later issued a full pardon, ending his legal jeopardy. The pardon followed intensive lobbying and sizable payments to political contacts. It marked a rare executive intervention in a crypto‑related conviction.

Political Reaction

Democratic lawmakers, including Rep. Maxine Waters, condemned the pardon as a “massive favor for crypto criminals.” Trump argued Zhao was targeted by the Biden administration and that his conduct was not criminal. Waters countered that the clemency was linked to billions funneled into Trump’s crypto venture, World Liberty Financial. The episode highlights Trump’s growing openness to the cryptocurrency sector.