Trump’s Unfamiliarity with Pardoned Crypto Tycoon Raises Eyebrows

Introduction: A Controversial Pardon

In recent weeks, former President Donald Trump’s decision to pardon cryptocurrency billionaire Changpeng Zhao has generated significant discussion, particularly given Trump’s admission that he did not know who Zhao was at the time of the pardon. Speaker Mike Johnson, a known critic of President Biden’s pardons, has refrained from commenting on this matter, underscoring the complexities surrounding presidential pardons and the political stakes involved.

Background: Who is Changpeng Zhao?

Changpeng Zhao, the founder of the cryptocurrency exchange Binance, faced legal troubles when he pleaded guilty in 2023 to a charge related to his company’s involvement in facilitating transactions for terrorists and criminals. Zhao served a four-month prison sentence and was released in 2024.

Key Points:

• Zhao’s Campaign for Pardon: Zhao began advocating for a pardon after his company engaged in business relations with Trump’s sons, Donald Jr. and Eric.
• Involvement in Crypto: Trump’s investments in cryptocurrency are believed to have significantly boosted his net worth this year, further complicating his relationship with the realm of digital currency.

Trump’s Admission: “I Don’t Know Who He Is”

During an interview on CBS News’s “60 Minutes,” Trump was questioned about why he chose to pardon Zhao. His unexpected response captured attention:

“I don’t know who he is,” Trump said. “I heard it was a Biden witch-hunt.”

Analysis of Trump’s Remarks

• Lack of Knowledge: Trump’s insistence that he was unaware of Zhao’s identity raises questions about the decision-making process behind the pardon.
• Family Ties to Crypto: Trump mentioned his sons’ involvement in cryptocurrency but provided little insight into the rationale behind the pardon itself.

Political Repercussions: Partisan Divides on Pardons

The situation surrounding Zhao’s pardon comes amidst ongoing scrutiny of President Biden’s use of the autopen—a device used for signing documents—including pardons. Speaker Mike Johnson and other Republican leaders have been vocal about the need to investigate Biden’s pardons, many of which were signed using this method without direct oversight.

Republican Perspectives:

• Call for Investigations: Johnson and others suggest that pardons signed without Biden’s explicit consent should be deemed invalid.
• Quote from Mike Johnson:
  

  “Every executive action signed by the autopen without written authorization from President Biden should be voided. This is an unprecedented situation in American politics.”

Conclusion: The Unfolding Controversy

Despite the fervent discussions surrounding Biden’s pardons, Speaker Mike Johnson has chosen to remain silent about Trump’s decision to pardon Zhao, even after multiple queries from the press.

“I don’t know anything about that,” Johnson remarked when asked about Trump’s insights into Zhao’s pardon.

Final Thoughts

As the debate over presidential pardons continues to heat up, the implications of these actions—both under Biden and Trump—are likely to play a significant role in future political discussions. Pardon power has never been legally restricted, and ongoing investigations could reshape how these powers are viewed in American politics.

For more about the implications of pardons and their historical context, check out this article on presidential powers.

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