Changpeng Zhao (CZ), the recently pardoned founder of Binance, returned to the US this week, for the first time since leaving federal prison in 2024. He attended the crypto summit hosted by the Trump family–backed World Liberty Financial (WLFI) at Mar-a-Lago.
The appearance marked a dramatic turnaround for CZ, who pleaded guilty in 2023 to anti-money laundering violations and served a four-month sentence before being granted a full presidential pardon in October 2025.
CZ Returns to US After Presidential Pardon
Reports describe the gathering as both low-key and symbolically loaded. During the event, CZ:
- Mingled with Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr.,
- Attended panels, including one with newly appointed CFTC Chairman Michael Selig, and
- Shared space with prominent figures such as Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon, NYSE President Lynn Martin, Coinbase founder Brian Armstrong, Senator Bernie Moreno, Kevin O’Leary, and even Nicki Minaj.
“Learned a lot,” CZ shared, emphasizing policy insights rather than political optics.
The optics of CZ’s return are striking. From federal prison and a $50 million personal fine to casually networking at the president’s club, the event signals that the legal chapter is closed.
Trump’s pardoning of CZ effectively removed long-term barriers to US travel and business activity. It allows him to rebuild influence within elite financial and regulatory circles.
Networks at Mar-a-Lago as Binance Controls 87% of Trump-Linked USD1 Stablecoin
The timing also coincides with Binance’s growing role in WLFI’s USD1 stablecoin. The exchange reportedly controls roughly 85–87% of the $5.4 billion circulating supply, strengthening a Trump-backed venture that critics have questioned for potential conflicts of interest.
While some lawmakers and commentators have raised concerns about a perceived quid pro quo between the pardon and Binance’s dominance in the stablecoin, CZ has repeatedly called such reports “not news.”
Nevertheless, Binance is reinforcing its dominance in the USD1 ecosystem with a fresh incentive push. From February 20 to March 20, the exchange will distribute 235 million WLFI tokens to USD1 holders, rewarding early adopters for providing liquidity.
Mar-a-Lago Summit Highlights Crypto-Political Convergence and USD1 Ambitions
The Mar-a-Lago summit highlighted the convergence of crypto, finance, and political influence. World Liberty’s leadership outlined ambitious plans for USD1, framing it as a “new digital Bretton Woods system” to integrate real estate, banking, and decentralized finance.
“…the work is just beginning… We are building the future, and we are doing it together,” WLFI wrote.
Attendees were urged to explore its use, while WLFI also announced upcoming tokenized investment products tied to Trump resorts.
Despite Binance remaining barred from US operations due to the 2023 settlement, CZ’s presence at a high-profile US event highlights a shift.
Engagements with policy leaders like CFTC Chairman Rostin Behnam and lobbying veterans such as Brian Armstrong suggest that figures like CZ are regaining a foothold in discussions shaping the future of digital assets.
Whether CZ’s return to the US will translate into renewed operational influence for Binance or remain a high-level networking exercise is uncertain.
What is clear, however, is the symbolism: a once-convicted crypto executive now freely attends elite US circles, at an event that blends business ambition with political connections. Meanwhile, his firm exerts unprecedented influence over a politically linked stablecoin.
