Trump Pardons Binance Founder Changpeng Zhao Amid Controversy

US President Donald Trump has pardoned Changpeng Zhao, the founder of Binance, the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange, who was sentenced to four months in prison for violating US money laundering laws. The pardon has sparked debate over the Trump administration's stance on cryptocurrency, with some critics accusing Trump of having personal financial interests in the industry. Zhao had completed his prison sentence in September 2024, and the pardon lifts restrictions on his ability to run financial ventures. Binance had spent nearly a year lobbying for Zhao's pardon, and the company's campaign coincided with Trump's efforts to loosen regulations on the cryptocurrency industry. The pardon is seen as part of Trump's broader efforts to promote the cryptocurrency industry, which has included establishing a national cryptocurrency reserve and making it easier for Americans to invest in digital assets using their retirement savings.

CNN's Kaitlan Collins asks President Donald Trump about his decision to pardon Changpeng Zhao, the founder of the crypto exchange Binance, who pleaded guilty to a money laundering charge in 2023. The article discusses the controversy surrounding Trump's pardon and provides context on other news stories related to the Trump administration.

The article discusses a CNN report by Erin Burnett on the donors behind President Trump's controversial White House ballroom project and their ties to cryptocurrency. The report is part of a larger CNN coverage that includes various news stories and video segments. Other news stories covered include Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro speaking in English, Trump's pardon of Changpeng Zhao, the founder of Binance, and the demolition of the East Wing of the White House to make way for the new ballroom.