Former President Trump has pardoned Binance co-founder Zhao Changpeng, stating the decision was based on recommendations from "many good people" and labeling the charges against Zhao as political persecution by the Biden administration. Trump emphasized he does not know Zhao personally and has never met him. When questioned about potential family ties to Binance, Trump dismissed the inquiry, criticizing the media as "fake news." White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the pardon on Thursday but declined to comment on any connections between Binance and the Trump family's cryptocurrency ventures.