Trump Pardons Binance Founder Amid Crypto Ties and Media Scrutiny

President Donald Trump pardoned Changpeng Zhao, founder of Binance, who served four months in prison for violating U.S. money laundering laws. The pardon has sparked controversy due to Zhao's business ties with the Trump family's World Liberty Financial crypto venture, which has generated significant income for the family. During a press conference, Trump defended his decision, stating the pardon was based on recommendations from many people who claimed Zhao was not guilty of any crime and was persecuted by the Biden administration. When questioned by CNN reporter Kaitlan Collins about the pardon and Zhao's connection to the Trump family's crypto business, Trump responded with hostility, accusing her of lacking knowledge about cryptocurrency and calling her "fake news." The pardon and its implications have raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest and the Trump family's growing involvement in the cryptocurrency sector. Media coverage of the pardon varied, with CBS Evening News notably omitting the story while other networks reported on it, highlighting Zhao's ties to the Trump family.