Trump Pardoned Binance Founder After Insider Lobbyist Pitch in Oval Office
President Trump pardoned Binance founder Changpeng Zhao after a politically connected lobbyist brought the request directly to him in the Oval Office, a new report shows — a move that matters now as critics question whether wealth and access are reshaping the presidential pardon process.
The pardon, Trump granted in October but detailed this week by The Wall Street Journal, came after Lobbyist Ches McDowell was introduced to the president by Donald Trump Jr. following a Presidential Medal of Freedom ceremony for Charlie Kirk.
McDowell, who has ties to Trump’s circle, reportedly took Trump aside and pitched the clemency for Zhao, the founder of Binance who had pleaded guilty to anti-money-laundering violations and served four months in prison.
McDowell told the Journal that Trump Jr. had left the room before he raised the pardon and denied that Jr. helped lobby for Zhao.
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“This was done on the merits, and Mr. Trump chose to act,” said one ally familiar with the situation. Attributed source withheld for brevity.
The episode adds to growing alarm among lawmakers and policy analysts about an informal “fast track” for pardons that may advantage well-funded or connected applicants.
Binance spent roughly $800,000 on lobbying for the pardon and broader issues, according to federal records.
Opposition voices contend that bypassing traditional review undercuts legal norms and fuels perceptions of influence buying.
Legal experts warn congressional inquiries could follow in 2026 as part of broader oversight of executive clemency.
What happens next?
The future may include hearings or legislative proposals to tighten pardon procedures and lobbying disclosure rules.
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