CZ Responds to Questions on Binance's $4.3 Billion Fund Following Trump Pardon
Changpeng Zhao (CZ), CEO of Binance, was pardoned by U.S. President Donald Trump related to Binance's 2023 legal settlement. Binance Holdings Limited had pleaded guilty to violations including the Bank Secrecy Act, failure to register as a money transmitter, and the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). The company paid over $4 billion in forfeiture while Zhao personally paid $50 million in fines.
There has been public discussion about the possibility of Binance reclaiming the $4.3 billion forfeiture. Zhao described the question of whether the forfeiture would be refunded as "delicate." He indicated that if the funds were returned, Binance would invest the money in the United States to demonstrate appreciation. Zhao expressed gratitude for the pardon on X (formerly Twitter) and stated he would help make America the Capital of Crypto and advance Web3 technologies if the funds were refunded.
However, political criticism has emerged. Representative Maxine Waters condemned the pardon, arguing it legitimizes the crypto-related violations Zhao was convicted of, and accusing former President Trump of corruption and loyalty to criminals.
As of the article's last update on November 17, 2025, no decision has been announced regarding whether Binance will reclaim the $4.3 billion forfeiture.
