Binance Founder CZ Meets Trump Allies as USD1 Push Expands
- CZ reentered US elite circles after an October 2025 pardon formally closed his case.
- At Mar-a-Lago, he met Trump allies and joined panels with top regulators and CEOs.
- Binance steers 85–87% of the USD1 supply, and WLFI offers WLFI token rewards to holders.
Binance founder Changpeng Zhao returned to the United States in February 2026 for the first time since his 2024 release, attending a crypto summit at Mar-a-Lago, according to The Wall Street Journal. Zhao met Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr. at the Trump family-backed World Liberty Financial event and later wrote on X that he “learned a lot.” His appearance marked a notable moment after he pleaded guilty in 2023 to anti-money laundering violations, served a four-month sentence, and received a full presidential pardon in October 2025.
High-Profile Gathering at Mar-a-Lago
The Mar-a-Lago summit brought together leading figures from finance, crypto, and politics. Attendees included Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon, New York Stock Exchange President Lynn Martin, investor Kevin O’Leary, Coinbase founder Brian Armstrong, Senator Bernie Moreno, and artist Nicki Minaj.
During the event, Zhao mingled with Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr. He also attended panels, including one featuring newly appointed CFTC Chairman Michael Selig. Reports described the gathering as low-key yet symbolically charged.
Zhao later posted on X that he “learned a lot,” focusing on policy discussions rather than political optics. The summit occurred as engagement between crypto leaders and traditional financial institutions continues to grow.
Zhao’s return followed a period of legal scrutiny. In 2023, he admitted to anti-money laundering violations and paid a $50 million personal fine. After serving his sentence, he received a presidential pardon that removed long-term travel and business restrictions in the United States.
Legal Resolution and Renewed Access
Trump’s pardon removed the travel limitations that had restricted Zhao’s movement throughout the United States. The results allowed his return to the top financial networks; he participated in a prestigious event at the president’s private club.
Zhao’s transition from federal prison to executive and regulatory networking events created a situation that attracted public interest. His attendance at the summit indicated that the judicial proceedings of his case had reached their final resolution.
Although Binance remains barred from US operations under its 2023 settlement, Zhao’s attendance signaled renewed access to policy conversations. He shared space with industry leaders and regulators shaping digital asset rules.
He also appeared alongside figures involved in ongoing market structure discussions. Among them were Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong and Senator Bernie Moreno, who have publicly discussed progress on US crypto legislation.
Related: Inside the Comeback of Crypto’s Most Controversial CEO, Changpeng Zhao
USD1 Stablecoin and WLFI Expansion
The timing of Zhao’s return coincided with Binance’s growing role in World Liberty Financial’s USD1 stablecoin. Reports indicate that Binance controls roughly 85% to 87% of the $5.4 billion circulating USD1 supply.
That concentration strengthens a Trump-backed venture that some critics have questioned over potential conflicts of interest. Lawmakers and commentators have raised concerns about a perceived quid pro quo between the pardon and Binance’s stablecoin dominance.
Zhao has repeatedly dismissed such reports as “not news.” Meanwhile, Binance launched an incentive program from February 20 to March 20, distributing 235 million WLFI tokens to USD1 holders who provide liquidity.
At the summit, World Liberty Financial outlined plans to position USD1 as a “new digital Bretton Woods system” integrating real estate, banking, and decentralized finance. The organization wrote, “…the work is just beginning… We are building the future, and we are doing it together.”
World Liberty Financial also announced upcoming tokenized investment products tied to Trump resorts and encouraged attendees to explore USD1’s applications.
As Zhao reconnects with US policymakers and financial leaders, one question remains: will his renewed presence translate into greater operational influence for Binance within the evolving US crypto landscape?
