The crypto world brightened up this week when former Binance CEO Qiao Changpeng, known as CZ, received a full pardon from President Donald Trump.
For many years, CZ has been the face of global cryptocurrency trading. Now that he has served his sentence and been cleared by the White House, he is back in the spotlight, and the market is reacting quickly.
Why CZ was convicted
Back in late 2023, CZ pleaded guilty to federal charges of failing to maintain an effective anti-money laundering system at Binance.
U.S. prosecutors have alleged that Binance processed billions of dollars in illegal transactions involving funds from sanctioned countries.
CZ took responsibility as CEO, accepted a personal fine, and agreed to step down from management.
This was not a case of fraud or illegal activity, but a massive compliance violation that resulted in Binance being fined approximately $4.3 billion.
when he went to jail
In April 2024, CZ was sentenced to four months in federal prison.
He stayed quiet, avoiding interviews and media appearances. By the end of 2024, he will have completed his sentence and returned home.
Since then, CZ has kept a low profile. He has only shared a few posts about fitness, meditation, and “building for the long term.”
When amnesty negotiations began
Rumors of a possible pardon began in 2024 and gained momentum following Trump’s pro-crypto campaign promises.
Advisors close to both sides suggested that the CZ incident was emblematic of the previous administration’s “war on cryptocurrencies.”
Still, few expected it to happen so quickly.
And on October 23, 2025, Trump officially signed CZ’s pardon.
Why did President Trump pardon CZ?
The White House called it a gesture toward “ending anti-crypto bias” in Washington.
Officials said CZ has paid his dues, served his sentence and contributed to the development of digital finance.
But not everyone accepts that explanation.
Some analysts believe the decision may have deeper political and financial causes.
In particular, consider certain relationships that seem difficult to ignore. WLFI.
Why does this cycle feel so strange?
WLFI connection
Earlier this year, Binance made headlines by investing $2 billion in WLFI’s USD1 stablecoin, a digital dollar created by Trump’s cryptocurrency venture, World Liberty Financial.
This contract alone is estimated to generate annual revenue of $60 million to $80 million for the WLFI team.
This was one of the largest stablecoin-backed partnerships in 2025.
Now, just a few months later, the same president who gave the project $2 billion in support has pardoned the man behind Binance.
Coincidence? perhaps.
But the market doesn’t think so.
market reaction
Within hours of this news, WLFI tokens soared by around 10 percent.
Traders interpreted this as a political green light, a signal that the White House firmly supports cryptocurrencies.
WLFI’s stablecoin USD1 also saw a spike in activity, with on-chain trading volume doubling overnight.
Meanwhile, Binance’s native token BNB gained sympathy and rose about 5%.
Even meme coins associated with the “Trump” or “CZ” tickers briefly rose as traders flooded in.
Related: Check out our story on the CZ-inspired “four” meme.
speculation
No one has concrete evidence that WLFI’s investments directly influenced the amnesty.
But looking at the timeline raises an eyebrow.
- Early 2025 – Binance invests $2 billion in USD1 of WLFI.
- mid 2025 – WLFI will become a leading on-chain stablecoin.
- October 2025 – CZ receives presidential pardon.
When a cryptocurrency project co-founded by a sitting president benefits from the world’s largest exchange, and the exchange’s founder is suddenly acquitted, it’s hard not to connect the dots.
political and ethical issues
Critics say this sets a dangerous precedent.
Will political alignment now buy legal forgiveness?
Cryptocurrency advocates, however, have hailed the pardon as proof that Trump is serious about supporting digital innovation.
Either way, the lines between politics, finance, and blockchain have never been more blurred.
What it means for Binance
With CZ’s record completely erased, Binance may push harder to re-enter the US.
Expect new compliance hires, lobbying, and perhaps new partnerships with U.S. banks.
Now a free man, CZ may reappear in public life as an advisor or investor in new ventures, but he is unlikely to return as Binance’s CEO.
What it means for WLFI
Meanwhile, WLFI continues to dominate the headlines.
Between the success of its $1 USD stablecoin, its $2 billion partnership with Binance, and this indirectly beneficial pardon, WLFI’s political and financial influence is rapidly expanding.
Traders treat WLFI not just as a crypto token, but as a symbol of a new era in which politics and blockchain openly overlap.
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final thoughts
of amnesty in czech republic It’s not just about forgiveness, it’s about power.
This shows how cryptocurrencies have jumped from the periphery of world politics to the forefront.
Even for those who have long believed in decentralization, this story feels like a turning point.
Because when a $2 billion deal meets the president’s pen, the market listens, and the market moves.
If you enjoyed this blog, be sure to check out our guide on looping strategies to utilize while farming.
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