Attorney Teresa Gudi Guillen, representing Changpeng Zhao (CZ), the former CEO of the cryptocurrency exchange Binance, appeared on a podcast with crypto expert Anthony Pompliano. She commented on rumors regarding a potential pardon for her client by U.S. President Donald Trump and dismissed any assumptions about business ties between Binance, Zhao, and cryptocurrency companies associated with Trump.
This is reported by Finway
Response to Allegations and Pardon Decision
It is worth noting that at the end of October 2025, Donald Trump signed a pardon for Zhao, which drew criticism from Democratic Party representatives. They expressed suspicions of a conspiracy involving Zhao, Binance, and cryptocurrency entities linked to the president. Trump himself stated that he was not personally acquainted with Zhao, but influential figures vouched for him, and he referred to the former CEO of Binance as a victim of the “war on cryptocurrency” by the previous administration of Joe Biden.
In the podcast, Teresa Gudi Guillen explained that Zhao was sentenced in April 2024 to four months in prison for allegedly failing to implement Binance’s anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing procedures. She emphasized that her client became the only person to receive a real sentence for such accusations, despite the absence of victims, the elements of a crime, and considering his impeccable reputation.
“He was pardoned primarily because he should not have been in prison in the first place. Even the president noted this. His pardon is a restoration of justice,” she stated.
Refutation of Rumors Regarding Trump’s Business and Binance
The attorney stressed that allegations of “buying” a pardon are based on assumptions, and there is no evidence to support them. According to Guillen, the media continues to link World Liberty Financial with Trump, although this is not accurate. She also explained that the listing of the USD1 stablecoin from WLFI on Binance occurred within the standard asset selection procedure and does not indicate any special agreements or connections with the U.S. president.
Guillen highlighted that following the high-profile bankruptcy of the FTX exchange, law enforcement sought someone to blame in the crypto industry, making Zhao a sort of “scapegoat.” At the same time, she noted her client’s resilience and optimism, adding that few could withstand such pressure with such dignity.