Changpeng Zhao

Binance founder Changpeng Zhao pleaded guilty in November 2023 to failing to maintain an effective anti-money-laundering program. He received a four-month prison sentence and a $50 million fine in April 2024. Trump signed his pardon on October 21, 2025; the announcement followed on October 23.^1–4

Zhao attended World Liberty Financial’s February 2026 Mar-a-Lago forum and discussed expanding Binance.US business, Bloomberg reported on February 23.

In a January 2026 CNBC interview reported by The Block, Zhao said he had never spoken with Trump and denied a connection between the pardon and Trump-linked business transactions.

Binance

Founder; former chief executive¹

Cryptocurrency exchange receiving the announced MGX investment.⁵

Donald Trump

Presidential pardon signed October 21, 2025²

Donald Trump retains beneficial interests in a revocable trust and disclosed investment accounts. The records connect ownership, dated trades and public decisions; economic exposure and observed outcomes are separate questions.^6–10

Binance.US

Discussed U.S. expansion at World Liberty forum, February 2026³

Bloomberg reported on October 15, 2026 that Binance.US sought up to $100 million in financing at an approximately $1 billion valuation. Its sources said World Liberty had been informed of the round but was not participating. Both companies declined comment.¹¹

AI generated report by Explorvia.com.