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Former Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao has indicated his openness to receiving a presidential pardon from Donald Trump, should the former president return to office.
The statement from Zhao, who recently <a href="https://cryptoslate.com/ex-binance-chief-changpeng-zhao-eyes-presidential-pardon-backs-donald-trumps-crypto-vision/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">completed</a> a four-month prison sentence for money laundering violations, came via social media platform X, where he carefully positioned his stance: "No wish to be CEO again. But definitely wouldn't mind a pardon." The comment marks a significant shift in the narrative surrounding one of cryptocurrency's most prominent figures.
Industry leaders have begun rallying behind the possibility of clemency for Zhao, with notable voices including <a href="https://yellow.com/asset/ada" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Cardano</a> founder Charles Hoskinson lending their support to the campaign. John Lilic, a senior figure within the Telos protocol, has been particularly vocal, framing Zhao's legal troubles as a case of "law fare" and suggesting that his return could catalyse industry maturation.
The timing of these developments coincides with growing speculation about Trump's potential cryptocurrency policies, should he secure victory in the upcoming presidential election. Despite not being a US citizen, Zhao has expressed willingness to support Trump's crypto initiatives, adding another layer to an already complex political narrative.
The situation draws interesting parallels with other controversial figures in the cryptocurrency space, notably Ross Ulbricht, founder of the Silk Road marketplace. Trump had previously shown sympathy toward Ulbricht's case, leading some observers to suggest that clemency for Zhao might align with his approach to cryptocurrency industry figures.
Zhao's November 2023 guilty plea and subsequent resignation as CEO of Binance marked a seismic shift in the cryptocurrency landscape. The plea agreement, which included substantial financial penalties, represented one of the most significant enforcement actions in the industry's history.
Since completing his sentence in September, Zhao has pivoted away from executive leadership, focusing instead on blockchain development, artificial intelligence investments, and educational initiatives through his Giggle Academy project. This transformation from exchange operator to technology investor signals a notable evolution in his career trajectory.
Market observers note that while Trump's pro-cryptocurrency stance might make him receptive to considering such a pardon, the political calculus remains complex. Any decision would need to balance industry advocacy against broader law enforcement considerations.
The discussion around Zhao's potential pardon occurs against a backdrop of increasing regulatory scrutiny of the cryptocurrency industry, with authorities worldwide grappling with questions of oversight and enforcement. This case could set important precedents for how similar situations are handled in the future. For Binance, the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange, this development adds another chapter to its complicated relationship with US authorities. While the exchange continues to operate under new leadership, the shadow of Zhao's legal troubles and potential pardon looms large over its strategic positioning in the American market.

Former Binance Chief Signals Interest in Trump Pardon Amid Industry Support

Yellow News

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