Political Storm Erupts: Senators Demand Investigation Into Trump’s Controversial Changpeng Zhao Pardon

Washington's political machinery grinds into motion as bipartisan senators launch a fresh offensive against former President Trump's executive clemency decisions.

The Crypto Conundrum

Changpeng Zhao's pardon continues generating shockwaves through both political and financial circles. Senators argue the move sets dangerous precedents for cryptocurrency regulation enforcement—or lack thereof.

Legal Eagles Circle

Multiple congressional committees now consider launching formal inquiries into the pardon's circumstances. The timing raises eyebrows across partisan lines, with even traditional crypto skeptics questioning the administration's judgment.

Market Reactions

Digital asset markets largely shrugged off the political drama—proving once again that when politicians talk, traders mostly just yawn and check their portfolios. Another reminder that in finance, actual money moves faster than political rhetoric.

This brewing investigation could become the ultimate test of whether crypto exceptionalism extends to presidential pardon power—or if even digital asset titans must answer to traditional political accountability.

Trump’s alleged business ties with CZ raise suspicion 

The senators further alleged financial entanglements between Zhao and Trump. They pointed to Zhao’s continued 90% stake in Binance, meetings with TRUMP associates, and Binance’s alleged role in coding the USD1 stablecoin for Trump’s crypto venture, World Liberty Financial. Trump, who retains financial interests in WLFI, launched the company in September 2024 during his presidential campaign and won re-election in November of that year.

The lawmakers argue that Trump’s decision to pardon Zhao may have been influenced by financial connections and favors exchanged. They warned the MOVE could undermine federal agencies like the DOJ, CFTC, and Treasury that worked for years to hold Binance accountable.

The latest call out builds on earlier criticism by Elizabeth and other industry leaders. For now, the senators have asked the DOJ and Treasury to respond to four key questions by November 4, 2025, including whether the pardon undermines trust in law enforcement and whether Trump’s ties to Zhao played a role in the decision.