TLDR
- Changpeng Zhao has officially applied for a presidential pardon.
- He previously denied reports of seeking a pardon from Donald Trump.
- The application was filed two weeks after major media coverage.
- Zhao hired a Washington lawyer to pursue executive relief.
- Lobbying disclosures confirmed efforts began months earlier.
Changpeng Zhao, the former Binance CEO, has officially submitted a presidential pardon application, contradicting earlier denials of involvement. Although Zhao dismissed reports from Bloomberg and the Wall Street Journal as inaccurate, he has confirmed initiating the pardon process. His decision followed media claims of his efforts to secure executive clemency through lobbying.
Changpeng Zhao Quietly Seeks Executive Relief
Changpeng Zhao previously denied negotiating a pardon with the Trump administration, calling earlier reports incorrect and premature. Despite this, he recently confirmed that his legal team submitted an official pardon application two weeks ago. This move directly counters his earlier statements that he rejects involvement in any such efforts.
He took action only after Bloomberg and the Wall Street Journal published stories alleging his pursuit of clemency. Changpeng Zhao justified the filing as a response to growing public speculation following those articles. The timeline indicates that the decision came shortly after media coverage intensified.
Lobbying records show Zhao hired a Washington attorney to seek “executive relief,” aligning with his formal application. This lobbying activity was disclosed in March, indicating preparations began months before the public confirmation. The filing further supports reports of Zhao’s behind-the-scenes legal strategy to secure a pardon.
Roger Ver and SBF Pursue Pardons
The Trump administration’s pardon process has reportedly become significantly faster, encouraging several high-profile individuals to seek relief. Bloomberg reported that this revised process no longer requires lengthy FBI investigations. Instead, applicants can complete the procedure in just a few months.
This shortened timeline appears to have influenced Changpeng Zhao’s decision to apply formally. Legal sources noted that pardon efforts now cost over $1 million, making the process expensive and exclusive. While Zhao has not disclosed his legal expenses, hiring a prominent lawyer supports this estimate.
His case joins a growing list of individuals attempting to benefit from Trump’s streamlined pardon protocol. Lawyers and lobbyists are crucial in these efforts, especially for white-collar defendants. The trend indicates a broader shift in how executive clemency is pursued in politically connected circles.
Bitcoin Cash founder Roger Ver has joined the list of cryptocurrency figures pursuing a Trump pardon. Ver reportedly paid $600,000 to Trump ally Roger Stone to support his lobbying efforts. Stone is known for advocating clemency for Ross Ulbricht, founder of Silk Road.
Meanwhile, Sam Bankman-Fried’s family has been exploring similar options for the disgraced FTX founder. Legal experts estimate his potential pardon campaign cost could exceed $1 million.
