Binance Founder Changpeng Zhao Seeks Presidential Pardon Amid Legal Battles

Changpeng Zhao, the founder of Binance, has formally requested a US presidential pardon through his legal team. This development follows media speculation after reports from Bloomberg and the Wall Street Journal surfaced. Zhao revealed during a May 5 podcast interview that the pardon request was submitted only after these articles were published. The move highlights the ongoing legal challenges faced by Zhao and Binance, as well as the broader regulatory scrutiny surrounding the cryptocurrency industry. This story underscores the intersection of high-profile crypto figures and governmental clemency processes, drawing parallels to other controversial pardon cases in recent US history.

Binance Founder Changpeng Zhao Seeks Presidential Pardon, Cites Trump’s Leadership Style

Changpeng Zhao, the embattled founder of cryptocurrency exchange Binance, has formally requested a US presidential pardon through his legal team. The move follows weeks of media speculation about potential clemency efforts after Bloomberg and Wall Street Journal reports surfaced.

"We only submitted after the Bloomberg article and the WSJ article came out," Zhao revealed during a May 5 podcast interview. "If they’re writing this article, I might as well just officially apply." The Binance executive notably praised Donald Trump’s "business-like" approach to governance, though he stopped short of explicitly endorsing the former president.

Former Binance CEO Zhao Predicts Bitcoin Could Reach $500K–$1M in This Cycle

Changpeng Zhao, the ousted founder of Binance, has made a bold projection for Bitcoin’s price trajectory. In a recent interview, he suggested the cryptocurrency could surge to between $500,000 and $1 million during the current market cycle.

"Bitcoin at $500k to a million? Absolutely possible," Zhao stated during an appearance on Farokh Radio. His Optimism stems from growing institutional adoption and shifting regulatory attitudes worldwide. The prediction comes as traditional financial systems increasingly integrate blockchain technology.

Zhao’s commentary, delivered from his current circumstances, reflects the maturing crypto landscape. While declining to specify timelines, his confidence underscores the sector’s evolving narrative—from speculative asset to institutional investment vehicle.