In a tense 60 Minutes interview, President Trump said he didn’t know Binance founder CZ despite pardoning him, fueling criticism over edits to the broadcast and renewed questions about crypto ties and transparency.
In a combative 60 Minutes interview, President Donald Trump defended his October pardon of Binance founder Changpeng “CZ” Zhao—while insisting he doesn’t know the crypto billionaire. The comments, along with footage that critics say was trimmed from the final broadcast, triggered fresh questions about transparency and potential conflicts tied to the first family’s crypto interests.
What Trump Said on 60 Minutes
Pressed by anchor Norah O’Donnell about why he pardoned Zhao, Trump replied, “I don’t know who he is,” describing the case as a “Biden witch hunt.” He added he “knew nothing about” the matter beyond being told Zhao had been treated unfairly. The exchange appeared in the broadcast and online materials shared by CBS.
Why the Pardon Is Controversial
Zhao—known as CZ—pleaded guilty in 2023 to anti-money-laundering violations tied to Binance’s compliance failures. He served roughly four months in prison and paid a personal $50 million fine. Critics say Trump’s pardon, granted last month, clashes with the administration’s stated law-and-order stance.
Editing Furor: Calls for Oversight
Separate controversy erupted over what 60 Minutes chose to air and what it trimmed. Democrats have urged an FCC review of portions they say were cut from the extended video, including exchanges tied to the Binance pardon and questions about possible corruption optics. CBS has posted a longer version online and the full transcript on its site.
The Political and Crypto Implications
The episode comes as Trump pitches the U.S. as a future leader in digital assets and reiterates support for a friendlier crypto policy environment. Supporters argue the pardon corrects overreach; opponents say it undermines accountability after Binance’s legal troubles.
