In 2023, the then-CEO of the massive cryptocurrency exchange Binance, Changpeng Zhao, was convicted for using his crypto platform to launder money for terrorist organizations such as ISIS after he pleaded guilty to the charges.
In Oct. 2025, Donald Trump gave him a full pardon despite admitting he doesn’t know who Zhao is, and now, suddenly, $4.7 billion has been pumped into a Trump family–owned crypto called USD1.
The jargon of the crypto world is rather complex, but Forbes is already estimating that Trump has added at least $1 billion thanks to his shadowy crypto dealings. When Zhao was first arrested, the Department of Justice was able to identify over 100,000 suspicious transactions designated to Hamas, Al Qaeda, child exploitation material distributors, and drug traffickers.
Yet Trump inexplicably pardoned Zhao while simultaneously claiming that these are the same problems plaguing America — issues Trump vowed he would have no tolerance for.
A recent report reveals that Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, now holds approximately 87% of USD1, which lists Trump himself as “co-founder emeritus,” alongside his sons Eric, Donald Jr., and Barron.
USD1’s total supply is valued at $5.4 billion, which would mean Zhao’s company has contributed $4.7 billion since receiving a full pardon from the president. This is concerning, given how closely it follows recent reports questioning whether Trump’s unprecedented wealth-building during his time in office is ethical.
“Funnel money to Trump.”
Crypto researcher Molly White described Binance’s leverage in USD1 as “unusually concentrated.” From a purely financial perspective, that level of control from a single entity is risky if the goal is truly to attract multiple investors. Former SEC adviser Corey Frayer echoed White’s assessment and delivered his verdict that USD1 could be a vehicle to “funnel money to Trump.”
Binance, on the other hand, says this is all standard for listings, adding that it has no connections to pardons and that it’s just a coincidence. The White House also tried to get ahead of the controversy, with press secretary Karoline Leavitt insisting that Trump always avoids conflicts of interest.
But if recent trends are anything to go by, Leavitt is not to be trusted when it comes to assessing Trump’s actions in office. Much too often, she speaks for Trump, only for the president to contradict her mere hours later.
On X, reactions have been harsh — some calling it bribery, others calling it corruption. One user stated, “It’s a scramble to loot everything and leave the rest of us holding the bag once they cause the crash.” Another wondered whether institutions have any independence in the current administration. Some are already exerting pressure on Democrats over what they see as ‘bribes.’
Isn’t there any independence from the institutions! The Orange man should be in Jail
— BANACO (@BanacoJose) February 10, 2026
It's a scramble to loot everything and leave the rest of us holding the bag once they cause the crash
— Andre (@Real_Genios) February 9, 2026
When are we going to start having hearings on Trump’s continual crime sprees?
— Dede Watson (@Dede_Watson) February 10, 2026
Trump took a $500 million bribe from the UAE and pardoned the founder of Binance for a 87% investment in his stable coin company. pic.twitter.com/DGUmKuYaky
One thing’s for certain: after Trump leaves office, Congress may need to consider writing new restrictions and limitations on the executive. The Trump administration has exposed loopholes through which corruption could seep into the White House using new technology and very questionable morals. The midterms need to be the first step toward that goal.
