Trump’s Pardon of Crypto Billionaire CZ Zhao Ignites Global Storm Over Crypto, Corruption and Conflicts of Interest
How a quiet October pardon, a $2 billion stablecoin deal and a Trump-linked crypto empire collided — and why November 17, 2025 is a turning point in the controversy. November 17, 2025 On November 17, 2025, the political and crypto worlds converged around one story: President Donald Trump’s presidential pardon of crypto billionaire Changpeng “CZ” Zhao, founder of Binance, and the growing backlash over what critics call an unprecedented mix of money, power and clemency. A new 60 Minutes investigation, follow‑up reporting in outlets including CBS News, Newsweek and FactCheck.org, and fresh coverage in the crypto press have thrust the October pardon back into