Trump Family in Talks to Acquire Stake in Binance.US
Background of the Negotiations
On March 13, 2025, reports revealed that the Trump family has been in talks to acquire a stake in Binance.US, the U.S. division of the cryptocurrency exchange Binance.
The negotiations reportedly took place while Changpeng Zhao (CZ), the founder of Binance, seeks a presidential pardon from Trump following legal troubles in the U.S.
Binance has been exploring ways to re-enter the U.S. market, and discussions with the Trump family suggest an effort to leverage political connections to facilitate its return. The talks included the possibility of the Trump family investing either directly or through their cryptocurrency project, “World Liberty Financial,” launched last year.
According to sources, Steve Witkoff, a longtime friend of Trump and a key figure in Middle Eastern and Ukrainian negotiations, is involved in the discussions.
CZ’s Legal Troubles and Binance’s U.S. Strategy
CZ pleaded guilty to violating U.S. anti-money laundering laws in 2023, agreeing to serve a four-month prison sentence and pay a $4.3 billion settlement. Currently, he remains the largest shareholder of Binance and is reportedly seeking a pardon from the Trump administration.
Binance’s U.S. operations have been significantly impacted by regulatory scrutiny, forcing the company to shift much of its business overseas. The reported negotiations with the Trump family could be part of a broader strategy to regain a foothold in the U.S. market.
Concerns Over Conflicts of Interest
The potential investment of the Trump family in Binance.US raises concerns over conflicts of interest, especially given Trump’s campaign support from the cryptocurrency industry. Critics argue that Trump’s policymaking decisions could be influenced by business interests, particularly as his family deepens its ties to the crypto sector.
Some regulatory experts warn that such an arrangement could complicate U.S. crypto regulations, given Binance’s history of compliance issues and its ongoing legal battles with the U.S. government.
Future Outlook
As negotiations progress, all eyes will be on whether the Trump family moves forward with the investment and whether CZ receives a presidential pardon.
This development has significant implications for the broader cryptocurrency industry and regulatory landscape in the United States. If the Trump family finalizes an investment in Binance.US, it could pave the way for Binance’s return to the U.S. market while further intensifying debates over the intersection of politics, business, and cryptocurrency regulation.
