Summary
President Donald Trump granted a pardon to Changpeng Zhao, the founder of Binance, which has raised concerns about political influence in the Justice Department's clemency process. Critics, including former U.S. Pardon Attorney Elizabeth Oyer, question the potential conflicts of interest and the influence of money on this decision. The White House, however, denied any wrongdoing and defended the pardon.
Key Facts
- President Donald Trump pardoned Binance founder Changpeng Zhao.
- Zhao had pleaded guilty in 2023 to not preventing money laundering at Binance and served a four-month sentence.
- Critics, including former U.S. Pardon Attorney Elizabeth Oyer, argue the pardon was influenced by financial interests.
- Oyer claims Zhao's pardon did not meet usual Justice Department guidelines.
- Allegations arose about Binance’s financial ties to a Trump-linked crypto venture.
- Binance donated software to a Trump family-linked business, aiding in launching a cryptocurrency.
- An Emirati fund invested $2 billion in Binance after the pardon, using the Trump-linked cryptocurrency.
- President Trump dismissed criticism as politically motivated and denied any personal connection with Zhao.
