Binance CZ on FOX Special Interview: Calls Trump Pardon Unexpected

Binance CZ on FOX News Special: Surprise by Trump Pardon, No WLFI Deal

The weeks following the unexpected pardon of Binance founder Changpeng Zhao have been filled with political drama, media interviews, and legal threats, painting a complex picture of power, crypto influence, and public perception 

Binance CZ Denies Trump Family Ties, Says He Was ‘Surprised’ by Pardon

In the recent interview with FOX News special report on 7 November 2025, Binance founder Changpeng Zhao broke his silence in his first televised appearance since receiving a presidential pardon from Donald Trump on October 21, 2025. 

In an interview on Fox News’ Special Report with Bret Baier, CZ said he was “surprised” by the pardon and dismissed speculation linking him to the Trump family.

Source: Official X

‘No Deal, No Discussion’ with WLFI

Addressing circulating rumors, Zhao denied claims that he secured the pardon through a backroom deal with WLFI.

“That is completely wrong,” he said during the interview. “There was no deal and no discussion. There were never any negotiations. I have no business relationship with WLFI.”

He also clarified that while he had briefly met Eric Trump once at a Bitcoin conference in Abu Dhabi, there were “no personal or professional ties” beyond that encounter.

Trump Pardon Marks Policy Shift

Trump’s decision to vacate Changpeng's four-month sentence for anti-money laundering violations is widely viewed as part of a broader post-election move toward crypto-friendly policies. This decision has fueled speculation about Washington’s evolving stance on digital assets and global exchanges.

Crypto Community Reacts

Following the interview announcement, members of the BNB Chain community expressed excitement over the founder's return to the public eye. Many also called on him to highlight projects like Giggle Academy and popular memecoins such as $BELG, reflecting both loyalty to CZ and ongoing optimism across crypto markets.

Source: Wu Blockchain X

Trump Says, “I don’t Know Binance Founder.”

In a recent 60 Minutes interview aired on November 3, 2025, President Donald said he has “no idea who” Changpeng Zhao, the founder of Binance, is — even though he pardoned him last month. He claimed he knew nothing about CZ’s case or his company’s crypto ventures linked to his family. 

Additionally, Trump pardon CZ decision was based on making the U.S. more competitive in crypto, not personal ties. He repeated that he never met Zhao and only heard he was “treated unfairly” by the Biden administration.

Binance Founder CZ Denies False Claims, Plans to Sue Warren

On 29 October 2025, U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren accused Binance founder Changpeng Zhao of money laundering and alleged he had ties with Donald, who unexpectedly pardoned him last month. 

He denied the accusations, calling them false and damaging, and plans to sue Warren for defamation. 

This follows his appearance on Fox’s Special Report, where CZ clarified he had “no ties” to the Trump family and was “surprised” by the presidential pardon.

Conclusion

As BNB founder fights back against political accusations and President Donald distances himself, the controversy underscores how deeply cryptocurrency has entered U.S. politics — blurring lines between innovation, influence, and accountability.