Trump Pardons Binance CEO Without Knowing His Identity

In a stunning revelation that has left many scratching their heads, former President Donald Trump recently claimed he still doesn't know who Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao is, despite having pardoned him last month. The admission came during a 60 Minutes interview with CBS correspondent Norah O'Donnell, where Trump was asked about the pardon of Zhao, who had pleaded guilty to violating anti-money laundering laws. The story of Zhao's pardon is a complex one, involving allegations of significant harm to US national security. According to the government, Zhao's company allowed terrorist groups like Hamas to move millions of dollars around, highlighting the importance of effective anti-money laundering programs. In April 2024, Zhao was sentenced to four months in prison for failing to maintain an adequate anti-money laundering program as required by the Bank Secrecy Act. He was released in September 2024 after serving his sentence. Trump's pardon of Zhao has raised eyebrows, particularly given the severity of the charges and the potential consequences for national security. When asked by O'Donnell why he had pardoned Zhao, Trump responded with a candid admission: "Okay, are you ready? I don't know who he is." He went on to say that he had heard it was a "Biden witch hunt," a reference to his predecessor's use of an autopen to sign pardons. The pardon of Zhao has sparked debate among experts and lawmakers, with some questioning the motivations behind Trump's decision. "The pardon of Changpeng Zhao is a concerning development, given the severity of the charges and the potential consequences for national security," said Senator Maria Cantwell, a Democrat from Washington. "It's essential that we have a clear understanding of the reasons behind this pardon and ensure that our national security is not compromised." Others have pointed out that Trump's pardon of Zhao may be part of a broader pattern of behavior. "The Trump administration has a history of using pardons as a tool to reward allies and silence critics," said Professor Sarah Binder, a leading expert on the US pardon power. "In this case, the pardon of Zhao may be an attempt to deflect attention from the administration's own failures in addressing anti-money laundering concerns." The controversy surrounding Zhao's pardon has also raised questions about the effectiveness of the US anti-money laundering regime. "The charges against Zhao highlight the need for robust anti-money laundering programs and effective enforcement," said a spokesperson for the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). "We will continue to work with financial institutions and law enforcement to prevent and detect money laundering activities." As the debate over Zhao's pardon continues, one thing is clear: the consequences of the pardon will be far-reaching. "The pardon of Changpeng Zhao sets a concerning precedent, potentially undermining the rule of law and national security," said Senator Ron Wyden, a Democrat from Oregon. "It's essential that we have a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding this pardon and take steps to prevent similar abuses in the future." In the end, Trump's pardon of Zhao serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges of the US pardon power. While the motivations behind the pardon may be unclear, one thing is certain: the consequences of this decision will be felt for years to come.