Changpeng Zhao denies Trump family’s investment in Binance.US. What is the truth behind this?

The Wall Street Journal reported on March 13 that the Trump family had negotiated to acquire stake in Binance.US, and Zhao Changpeng urged the Trump administration to pardon him. This news instantly sparked heated discussions in the cryptocurrency circle, and BNB prices also fluctuated for a short period of time, rising from US$580 to US$613.

It is reported that Trump representatives met with senior Binance.US officials several times. The Trump family may directly hold shares or use World Liberty Financial to participate in the operation. At this time, Trump was active in the political and business stage, and his family's interest in the field of encryption has long been known to the world.

Binance.US, as a Binance American branch, has been working hard to repair relations with regulators after Zhao Changpeng resigned as CEO in an accident. The introduction of the Trump family is seen as a bold attempt to enhance competitiveness and open up the American market.

After the news broke, the crypto community responded strongly. Supporters believe that trading volume can be promoted and regulatory policies can be eased; critics are concerned that they can intensify the speculative atmosphere and put retail investors at greater risks. Previously, Binance had just received a $2 billion investment from MGX, with Tahnon leading the financing, and its recognition of its national sovereign fund brought imagination space to Binance's development.

Faced with the rumors, Zhao Changpeng stated on the evening of March 13 that the Wall Street Journal reported that the report was incorrect. He said he never discussed the Binance US deal with anyone. He felt the report was intended to attack the president and the crypto industry, while the remnants of the last administration's crackdown on the cryptocurrency war were still in play.

Over the past year, Zhao Changpeng has been imprisoned until he was released. Although he no longer serves as CEO and is prohibited from participating in daily operations, as the largest shareholder, his influence cannot be underestimated. Recently, he has helped the BNB Chain ecosystem on X many times.

Although rumors of Trump's family's investment were denied by Zhao Changpeng, it reveals the complex situation in the cryptocurrency industry. Trump once publicly supported Bitcoin and after taking office, he fulfilled his commitment to legalizing cryptocurrencies, such as establishing a national strategic reserve for Bitcoin.

Since 2023, Binance and its U.S. branches have been investigated by multiple departments in the United States for money laundering, sanctions violations, and eventually ended with a huge fine and Zhao Changpeng pleaded guilty. Binance.US's operations are strictly regulated. The introduction of the Trump family may seek policy support, which may also intensify conflicts with regulators.

After Zhao Changpeng refuted the rumors, he continued to tweet about the release of MGX investment news. As an authoritative media, the Wall Street Journal usually has information sources. The rumors were denied, and the negotiations may not have made substantial progress or the discussions are highly confidential. Some people in the crypto community have questioned that Zhao Changpeng's statement was just to appease the market.

Bloomberg reported that Trump's crypto project WLFI had discussed cooperation with Binance, including the development of stablecoins, but progress is not yet clear. At the same time, He Yi also participated in the discussion on social platforms, expressed his opinions on the amnesty issue, and also @ed Trump's account.

Previously, Sam Bankman-Fried (SBF) and Zhao Changpeng were both rumored to have hoped to be pardoned by the Trump administration. SBF was sentenced to 25 years for fraud, and its history of donations with the Democratic Party has made it less likely to be amnesty. Zhao Changpeng was sentenced to four months in violation of the Anti-Money Laundering Act, and his crime was relatively minor. Binance's influence may make him more transactional. Trump's attitude towards supporting cryptocurrency and Zhao Changpeng's willingness to cooperate will increase his probability of pardon, but the final result is still uncertain.