Changpeng Zhao, better known as CZ, has spoken publicly for the first time since receiving a presidential pardon from Donald Trump — a move that stunned the crypto world and sparked a storm of speculation. In an exclusive Fox News interview, the Binance founder made it clear: there was no deal, no backdoor arrangement, and no personal connection behind the pardon.
“It Came Out of Nowhere”
According to CZ, the pardon was entirely unexpected. His legal team had submitted a petition for clemency in April, but there were no signs of movement, no updates, and certainly no assurance that anything would happen. “It came out of nowhere,” he said, describing the moment he learned of the decision.
When asked if he had any communication with Trump or his circle before the pardon, CZ was unequivocal: “We have never met. We have never talked.” Trump himself told reporters, “I don’t know who he is,” explaining that his decision was not based on any personal relationship.
Trump added that his sons “are into it,” referring to cryptocurrency, but insisted that they are private businessmen and have no government involvement. CZ confirmed that the only contact he ever had with the Trump family was a brief conversation with Eric Trump at a Bitcoin Mina conference in Abu Dhabi — a short, polite exchange that had nothing to do with business or legal matters.
From Guilty Plea to Presidential Pardon
The Department of Justice had accused Binance of flouting U.S. anti-money laundering and sanctions laws, claiming the company enabled U.S. citizens to trade on its platform while avoiding oversight. In November 2023, CZ pleaded guilty, saying he wanted to resolve the matter directly rather than prolong it.
“I think it’s the best way to confront the problem and solve it head on,” he explained. Remarkably, CZ voluntarily flew to the United States — from a country with no extradition treaty — to face the charges.
Despite pleading guilty to a single non-fraud offense, CZ noted that he became the first known first-time offender in U.S. history to serve prison time for such a case. “I do not have anything to debate,” he said, emphasizing that his decision was driven by a desire for closure, not conflict.
No Deals, No Backchannels
Since the pardon, online speculation has swirled about whether any behind-the-scenes arrangements were made between CZ, his team, and Trump’s allies. Some reports even claimed that Binance had financial discussions with World Liberty Financial, a company tied to Trump’s sons. CZ firmly rejected those claims.
“There is no deal,” he said. “There has never been any discussions.” He added that Binance had never engaged in any form of negotiation or cooperation with Trump’s network or its business affiliates.
He acknowledged that the timing — coming just before the election — naturally raised eyebrows, but insisted that the pardon was not transactional. “I understand why people ask,” he said. “But the truth is simple: there was nothing to exchange.”
Trump’s Crypto Pivot and the Path Ahead
The pardon also comes at a time when Trump has shifted toward a pro-crypto stance. In recent remarks, he declared an end to what he called the Biden administration’s “war on crypto,” promising to make the U.S. the “Bitcoin superpower” and “crypto capital of the world.”
For CZ, this shift represents an opportunity for a more transparent and structured regulatory environment. “I see more clarity now than before,” he said, citing new frameworks like the Genius Act as positive steps for the industry. Still, he noted that he’s not a lawyer and doesn’t claim to understand every legal detail — but he supports the broader direction toward clearer rules.
Looking Forward, Not Backward
With the legal process now closed and his name officially cleared, CZ says he’s ready to move forward. “My focus is on building again — on positive projects that push the ecosystem ahead,” he said.
The pardon may have surprised the world, but for CZ, it marks the beginning of a new chapter — one defined less by courtroom drama and more by contribution. Whether that means new ventures, advocacy, or innovation in crypto’s next era, CZ appears intent on moving beyond controversy and back toward creation.
“There was never a deal,” he repeated. “Only the desire to put this behind me and keep building.”
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