Binance Coin Surges 8% After Trump Pardons Founder Changpeng Zhao.
October 23, 2025 — Binance Coin (BNB) saw an impressive 8% jump today, reaching $1,132.74, after former U.S. President Donald Trump granted a presidential pardon to Binance founder Changpeng “CZ” Zhao.The announcement immediately boosted market confidence and brought new optimism to the crypto community. Investors celebrated the news, hoping it could mark the beginning of Binance’s comeback in the United States.
Trump’s Presidential Pardon
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that President Trump used his constitutional power of pardon to forgive Zhao, who had been punished under the Biden administration’s crackdown on the cryptocurrency industry.
Changpeng Zhao was convicted in 2023 for violating anti–money laundering laws and served four months in prison in 2024. Despite paying a $200 million fine, he remained under restrictions due to Binance’s legal issues in the U.S.
Binance’s Legal Challenges
In previous years, Binance had agreed to pay over $4 billion in fines and settlements with the U.S. government. The charges included money laundering, unlicensed money transmission, and sanctions violations.
This was one of the largest penalties ever imposed on a crypto exchange, significantly affecting Binance’s operations and reputation.
A New Opportunity for Binance
Trump’s pardon could be a turning point for Binance. With the legal barriers now easing, the company may have a chance to rebuild its presence in the American market.
Crypto analysts believe that the pardon might encourage other U.S. institutions to collaborate with Binance again, and possibly lead to greater acceptance of cryptocurrency under a Trump administration.
The Market Reaction
Following the announcement, Binance Coin (BNB) quickly surged by 8%, showing strong investor confidence. Market sentiment suggests that traders expect Binance to expand its U.S. operations and regain lost ground.
In short, The presidential pardon for Changpeng Zhao is more than just a legal move — it’s a potential game-changer for Binance and the wider crypto market. As Binance looks to strengthen its U.S. position once again, all eyes will be on how the exchange navigates this new chapter.