Binance founder and former CEO Changpeng Zhao has formally applied for a pardon from President Donald Trump, following media reports that he had sought one. Zhao revealed this two weeks ago in an interview on Farohk Radio podcast, stating the application was prompted by speculation surrounding his legal troubles. He served a four-month sentence in 2023 after pleading guilty to money laundering charges and barred from working for Binance. This comes following reports that Zhao sought a pardon amidst discussions about business deals involving crypto ventures linked to the Trump family. Initially denying these claims, he acknowledged on the podcast that media articles spurred his decision to formally apply. The application follows stories suggesting Zhao’s intentions regarding a potential business deal with the Trump family.