Binance’s founder, Changpeng Zhao (CZ), said he would reinvest the $4.3 billion fine back into the United States if the fine is reversed. This comes after President Trump pardoned him of his charges.
CZ Signals U.S. Reinvestment If $4.3B DOJ Fine Is Reversed
During an exchange on X, one user asked if Changpeng Zhao would have the $4.3 billion penalty returned to him now that he had been pardoned. CZ replied that he would invest any returned funds in the United States as an act of gratitude. The former CEO said he has not yet asked for a refund. He also mentioned the need for fairness.
ah, delicate question.
1. I appreciate the pardon already. There is a balance in asking for more vs “what is fair” vs appreciate what you got already.
2. IF we get any refund, we will be investing that in America anyway, to show our appreciation.
Haven’t asked yet, I think🙏
— CZ 🔶 BNB (@cz_binance) November 17, 2025
In 2023, Binance agreed to pay a fine of $4.3 billion as part of a settlement with the DOJ and other U.S. regulators. The founder faced different charges, including an unlicensed money services business.
Furthermore, Changpeng Zhao pleaded guilty to violations of the Bank Secrecy Act. After that, he stepped down as CEO and accepted a personal $50 million fine.
Last month’s presidential pardon for CZ led to debate in political and crypto communities. Binance’s plea deal had once been called the largest enforcement action in crypto history.
However, some have insisted that the founder paid for his pardon via back channels. The claims have been dismissed by the exchange’s legal team. They also said any such act of payment would be easily traceable in light of blockchain transparency.
The White House also defended the president’s decision. They denied all corruption allegations linked to the pardon. Aides said the pardon was issued fairly and without any outside influence.
Binance and the Trump Family Ties
The exchange has been associated with a crypto company belonging to the president and his family, World Liberty Financial. There are reports that Binance had been working on technology for the firm’s USD1 stablecoin. However, CZ denied the reports publicly and threatened to take legal action.
Additionally, it is reported that a UAE investment group is staking $2 billion in Binance. They used the USD1 stablecoin as part of the arrangement. Earlier this year, Binance promoted USD1 on its PancakeSwap exchange, which now runs on BNB Chain.
Meanwhile, before the pardon, U.S. SEC had dropped its civil lawsuit against Binance. The SEC and the exchange reached an agreement after almost three years of the case.
Binance has been out of the U.S. market since it pleaded guilty in 2023. The exchange could return to full operations thanks to the pardon.
