The President’s Pardon: 60 Minutes Investigates the Binance–Trump Connection

The first segment of 60 Minutes on November 16, 2025, examines one of the most controversial moves of Donald Trump’s post-presidency years: the pardon of Changpeng Zhao, the founder of Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange. The report, led by Scott Pelley, looks closely at how this unexpected act of clemency sent shockwaves through both the financial and political worlds. Zhao had faced criminal charges related to money laundering and regulatory breaches, and his pardon reignited debate over the limits of presidential power and the influence of financial interests.

Pelley’s report investigates not only the pardon itself but also the timing and financial context surrounding it. Binance’s recent role in elevating the Trump family’s cryptocurrency venture, World Liberty Financial, sparked scrutiny over potential conflicts of interest. The company’s support in boosting the Trump-backed token gave the story global significance, turning it into an examination of influence, power, and money in a digital economy.

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Binance: From Startup to Global Powerhouse

Founded in 2017, Binance rapidly became a dominant force in cryptocurrency trading, handling billions of dollars in daily transactions. Zhao, often referred to as CZ, built his company on speed, accessibility, and low fees, attracting a global user base and making Binance a symbol of crypto’s explosive rise. But its success was followed by mounting criticism over regulatory gaps, secrecy, and concerns about compliance. These issues culminated in a high-profile legal battle with U.S. authorities that led to Zhao’s conviction before the pardon changed the course of his story.

For 60 Minutes, Binance’s rise provides critical context for understanding how a digital finance empire could influence political decisions. Pelley’s report illustrates how Zhao’s leadership, celebrated for innovation yet criticized for defiance toward regulators, positioned Binance as both a pioneer and a target. The segment reveals how crypto’s push for independence from traditional banking systems often brings it into direct conflict with global financial law.

World Liberty Financial: The Trump Family’s Crypto Venture

Central to Pelley’s report is the Trump family’s new digital finance initiative, World Liberty Financial. Launched amid great fanfare, the venture aimed to merge political influence with modern financial technology. Binance’s early support helped propel the firm into the spotlight, offering infrastructure and international exposure that few new tokens could achieve.

60 Minutes explores how this partnership, followed closely by Zhao’s pardon, created questions about ethics and motivation. Critics suggested that Binance’s involvement and the timing of the pardon might not be coincidental, while supporters framed the move as consistent with Trump’s long-standing pro-business approach. Pelley’s interviews highlight both sides of the argument, providing insight into how the evolving crypto landscape intersects with political ambition.

Global Fallout and Regulatory Reaction

The international response to the pardon was swift. Lawmakers in Washington demanded investigations into whether the decision represented a conflict of interest, while crypto advocates celebrated it as a sign of political acceptance of digital assets. The Department of Justice and the Securities and Exchange Commission found themselves under renewed pressure to address how crypto firms operate across borders and within shifting legal boundaries.

Markets reacted instantly, with Binance’s value climbing sharply amid speculation about its renewed political connections. Overseas, regulators in Europe and Asia expressed concern about the precedent such a pardon could set for enforcement consistency. For Zhao, the decision meant freedom and rehabilitation of his public image, but it also revived global discussions about accountability in the era of decentralized finance.

Scott Pelley’s Investigative Approach

Scott Pelley’s reputation for measured and incisive journalism lends weight to this complex story. Through interviews with financial experts, political analysts, and former government officials, he builds a detailed portrait of how technology and power now intersect. His reporting frames the pardon as more than a single political act—it becomes a lens for examining how money, innovation, and influence flow between private enterprise and public authority.

Pelley’s storytelling highlights 60 Minutes’ role as a forum for accountability. The report moves beyond surface-level controversy, tracing patterns of behavior and influence that reach into questions about how modern democracies regulate emerging industries. “The President’s Pardon” stands as a case study in how financial innovation can become entangled with political legacy.

The Future of Politics and Cryptocurrency

Ultimately, the segment suggests that the Trump–Zhao story marks a turning point in both cryptocurrency and political history. As digital finance grows more powerful, its relationship with government will only deepen. Pelley’s investigation shows how crypto is no longer a fringe concept but a cornerstone of global economics and policy debate.

By revealing how personal interests and financial technologies can converge, 60 Minutes offers a compelling and cautionary narrative about the changing nature of power. “The President’s Pardon” captures the moment when digital wealth met political authority, raising questions that will continue to shape the future of both.