In a recent statement, Teresa Goody Guillén, attorney for Binance Co-Founder Changpeng Zhao (CZ), firmly denied allegations that his presidential pardon was the result of a clandestine agreement or political transaction. Speaking on Anthony Pompliano”s “Pomp Podcast,” Guillén described these theories as a “pile-up of false statements” and highlighted the inherent transparency of blockchain technology, which makes such accusations implausible.
President Trump granted CZ a full pardon after he pleaded guilty in 2023 to charges related to ineffective anti-money laundering measures at Binance, a case that concluded with CZ serving four months in prison and a $4.3 billion settlement with the Department of Justice. Guillén emphasized that CZ”s case was unjustly severe compared to those involving major financial institutions, whose executives have often remained unprosecuted despite similar compliance issues.
Guillén stated that the conviction stemmed from Binance”s insufficient regulatory controls rather than any actual money laundering activities, asserting that there was “no fraud, no victims, no criminal history.” She noted that the prosecution”s approach to CZ was significantly more aggressive than what has been observed in cases involving traditional banks.
Amidst ongoing speculation, Guillén dismissed claims that CZ had sent Bitcoin to Trump as part of securing the pardon. She criticized the misunderstandings surrounding blockchain”s functionality and reiterated that CZ had not requested a refund for the settlement, expressing gratitude for the pardon and an intention to reinvest any returned funds into the U.S.
Online narratives have also linked CZ to Trump”s venture, World Liberty Financial, suggesting that Binance”s engagement with the stablecoin USD1 played a role in the pardon. Guillén refuted this notion, branding it as “misinformation” and clarifying that USD1 operates on multiple blockchains and is not exclusive to Binance.
Political reactions have surfaced, with Senator Elizabeth Warren branding the pardon as corrupt and criticizing CZ”s plea as money laundering. Guillén countered that Warren misrepresented the nature of CZ”s offense, which was primarily about insufficient controls rather than direct criminal activity. She emphasized the need for accurate information, as the political environment continues to scrutinize cryptocurrency and its key figures.
Throughout this turmoil, Guillén asserted that CZ maintained his composure and focus, highlighting his resolve amid the surrounding chaos.
