Changpeng Zhao (CZ) Pardon: Former Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao was pardoned by President Trump on October 23, 2025, wiping away his 2023 conviction for violating U.S. anti-money laundering laws (for which he had served four months in prison). The pardon immediately lifted the legal cloud that had restricted Binance's U.S. ambitions.
Political Backlash & Conflict of Interest Claims: The pardon drew sharp criticism from the U.S. lawmakers, including Congressman Sean Casten and Senator Elizabeth Warren, who filed a resolution to investigate potential conflicts of interest. The controversy stems from a $2 billion investment made by Abu Dhabi's MGX into Binance, which was settled using USD1, a stablecoin linked to the Trump family's crypto venture, World Liberty Financial (WLF).
