CZ Denies Secretly Funding Trump’s Crypto Push—But Who’s Buying It?

Binance’s former CEO shoots down rumors of backchannel support for Trump’s pro-crypto agenda. Meanwhile, traders eye the political circus like it’s just another shitcoin pump.

In classic crypto fashion, the denial sparks more speculation than it kills. After all, nothing fuels a narrative like a juicy conspiracy—especially when Wall Street’s watching.

TLDR

• Changpeng Zhao has denied claims that he supported Donald Trump’s crypto venture World Liberty Financial.
• The Wall Street Journal alleged that Zhao acted as a fixer by facilitating international connections for the Trump-linked group.
• CZ rejected the claims and stated that he had no role in connecting World Liberty Financial with foreign officials.
• He criticized the report and said it was politically motivated and based on incorrect information.
• The article also claimed Zhao was seeking a pardon from Trump by cooperating with the Department of Justice.

Changpeng Zhao (CZ), former CEO of Binance, has rejected allegations by The Wall Street Journal linking him to Donald Trump’s crypto venture. The report claimed Zhao acted as a liaison for World Liberty Financial, a project associated with the Trump family. Zhao denied these claims, labeling them inaccurate and politically motivated.

The report accused Zhao of facilitating discussions between TRUMP affiliates and foreign officials. It also alleged that Zhao was lobbying for a pardon following his legal issues in the United States. Zhao, however, disputed the narrative, stating the claims were based on misleading sources and incorrect assumptions.

The story has sparked controversy around the growing relationship between political figures and digital asset firms. Binance remains under scrutiny from regulators, while Zhao continues to contest allegations surrounding his role. Despite the backlash, he maintains his denial and calls for accurate reporting.

CZ Denies Being Part of World Liberty Financial Negotiations

The WSJ reported that Zhao introduced World Liberty Financial to foreign officials during coordinated international visits. It stated that these introductions helped the Trump-linked crypto group build connections in countries like Pakistan and Malaysia. Zhao denied any involvement in those introductions or the group’s travel arrangements.

Zhao clarified that he did not help World Liberty Financial connect with Pakistani official Mr. Saqib. According to him, Mr. Saqib already had a pre-existing relationship with the group before Zhao met him. He added that he met Mr. Saqib for the first time during a visit to Pakistan unrelated to WLF.

In his response, Zhao criticized the article’s methodology and said the publication ignored corrections provided by Binance’s public relations team. He claimed the WSJ’s inquiry was based on false assumptions. He further stated that the final piece disregarded Binance’s clarifications in favor of a predetermined narrative.

WSJ Draws Links Between the Trump Family and Binance

The Wall Street Journal reported that the Trump family held talks with Binance through World Liberty Financial. According to unnamed sources, these discussions included the potential acquisition of a stake in Binance.US. The article stated that this engagement occurred while Binance attempted to strengthen its U.S. presence.

The report mentioned real estate executive Steve Witkoff as a key figure brokering the relationship between Trump’s allies and Binance. However, an administration source disputed his involvement and said he was distancing himself from financial interests. Zhao did not comment directly on Witkoff but dismissed all claims connecting him to Trump negotiations.

Additional details in the article claimed Zhao sought a presidential pardon by aiding the DOJ’s case against another crypto founder, Justin Sun. The report suggested this cooperation helped Zhao secure a reduced sentence in his legal case.