On Thursday, March 13, 2025, Binance’s BNB token surged 4%, defying a broader cryptocurrency downturn. The catalyst? A Wall Street Journal report revealing that the Trump family has engaged in discussions to secure a financial interest in Binance.US, the American arm of the world’s largest crypto exchange. This potential deal, if realized, could intertwine the Trump name with a company that pleaded guilty to violating U.S. anti-money laundering laws in 2023—a move that’s raising eyebrows and fueling market speculation.
Trump Family and Binance: A Strategic Alliance?
According to the Journal, Binance initiated contact with Trump allies in 2024, proposing a business partnership to bolster its U.S. presence after years of regulatory setbacks. The exchange’s $4.3 billion settlement in 2023, coupled with the resignation and four-month prison sentence of its founder, Changpeng Zhao (CZ), left Binance.US struggling to regain traction. Now, a potential Trump family stake—possibly channeled through their crypto venture, World Liberty Financial (WLF)—offers a lifeline. WLF, which directs 75% of its profits to Trump-related entities, could serve as the vehicle for this investment, though the deal’s structure remains unclear.
Steve Witkoff, a real estate mogul and Trump confidant currently serving as a Middle East negotiator, has reportedly played a role in these talks, per unnamed sources cited by the Journal. The timing aligns with President Trump’s pro-crypto agenda, including efforts to ease industry regulations, making this a pivotal moment for Binance’s U.S. ambitions.
Changpeng Zhao’s Pardon Push and Denial
Adding intrigue, CZ has reportedly sought a presidential pardon from the Trump administration following his 2023 guilty plea for anti-money laundering violations. A pardon could smooth Binance’s path back into the U.S. market, though it’s uncertain if the Trump family’s potential stake hinges on such clemency. However, Zhao took to X on Thursday to refute the claims, stating, “Sorry to disappoint. The WSJ article got the facts wrong. I have had no discussions of a Binance US deal with… well, anyone.” He dismissed the report as an attack on both crypto and the current administration, suggesting lingering “war on crypto” sentiments from the prior government persist.
Despite Zhao’s denial, BNB’s price jump reflects investor optimism about a possible Trump-Binance alliance. A Binance.US spokesperson declined to comment, leaving the story shrouded in speculation.
Why BNB’s Rise Matters
BNB’s 4% gain stands out against a sluggish crypto market, signaling confidence in Binance’s potential U.S. resurgence. The 2023 settlement, which included a $50 million personal fine for Zhao and a massive $4.3 billion penalty for Binance, had tarnished its reputation. Yet, with Trump’s administration rolling back regulatory hurdles—evidenced by a recent executive order establishing a U.S. cryptocurrency reserve—Binance.US could stage a dramatic comeback. A Trump family stake might further legitimize the exchange, leveraging their influence to rebuild trust.
World Liberty Financial: The Trump Crypto Connection
The Trump family’s involvement could tie into World Liberty Financial, launched in September 2024 as a crypto venture promising high yields. With 75% of WLF’s profits flowing to Trump entities, it’s a plausible conduit for any Binance.US investment. The Journal notes this as one option under consideration, though no concrete terms have emerged. The overlap between Trump’s business interests and his presidency raises questions about conflicts of interest, especially as he champions a “crypto-friendly” White House.
What’s Next for Binance and BNB?
Binance’s fight for credibility continues, but a Trump-backed deal could be a game-changer. Investors are watching closely: Will BNB sustain its momentum? Could a pardon for Zhao accelerate Binance.US’s revival? As Trump deregulates the crypto space, the stakes are high for Binance to reclaim its footing. For now, the market’s reaction—BNB topping $600—suggests belief in a brighter future, even as CZ denies the rumors. Stay tuned as this story unfolds, blending crypto, politics, and power in 2025’s financial landscape.
