The crypto world is buzzing again. This time, it’s not about prices or new projects, but politics.
After Donald Trump granted a presidential pardon to Changpeng Zhao (CZ) the founder of Binance Congresswoman Maxine Waters came out swinging. And her words weren’t soft.
What She Said
Waters called the move “a dangerous act of political favoritism”, accusing Trump of putting “money and influence over justice.”
She said the pardon sends the wrong message that “if you’re rich, powerful, and connected to Trump’s inner circle, you can get away with anything.”
Waters also reminded everyone that a pardon doesn’t erase a conviction it just wipes away the punishment.
In her words:
“A pardon doesn’t make someone innocent. It only protects them from the consequences of their crimes.”
The Background
CZ, the founder of Binance the world’s largest crypto exchange had faced legal trouble in the U.S. over anti-money-laundering violations.
He pleaded guilty and stepped down as Binance’s CEO in a major deal with U.S. regulators.
Now, Trump’s decision to pardon him has shocked both Washington and Wall Street many see it as a political move to win favor with crypto voters and donors.
The Bigger Picture
Waters’ statement isn’t just about CZ it’s about the growing link between politics and crypto.
She warned that the U.S. is heading down a slippery slope if powerful figures in crypto can “buy influence” and escape accountability.
Analysts say the pardon could:
Encourage other crypto executives to take more legal risks
Undermine faith in regulatory fairness
Spark new calls for tighter crypto oversight in Congress
The Market’s Reaction
The crypto community is split.
Some see the pardon as a win for innovation, saying it shows crypto is finally being accepted at the highest political levels.
Others call it a disaster for credibility, fearing it could bring harsher regulations down the line.
BNB (Binance’s token) saw a small boost after the news, but sentiment remains cautious.
What Happens Next
Waters and her team are reportedly pushing for a full committee review of the pardon especially to investigate whether there were campaign donations or lobbying ties between CZ’s allies and Trump’s circle.
In short: this story is far from over.
Final Take
This isn’t just a crypto headline it’s a political earthquake.
Maxine Waters sees Trump’s pardon as a betrayal of justice.
Crypto investors see it as a sign of how powerful their industry has become.
Either way, the battle between Washington and the crypto world just got a lot more personal.
