Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, is preparing for a U.S. comeback, leveraging growing ties with the Trump family and a shifting political landscape that appears increasingly favorable to digital assets.
According to a recent report by the Wall Street Journal, Binance has been engaging U.S. Treasury officials to seek relief from a federal monitorship imposed following its 2023 guilty plea and $4.3 billion settlement over violations of anti-money laundering (AML) and sanctions laws. The exchange has been under close scrutiny ever since, with the monitorship overseeing its U.S. compliance efforts.
U.S From Enforcement Target to Potential Ally
Binance’s re-entry efforts come at a time when former President Donald Trump has returned to power and is already making pro-crypto moves, including disbanding the Department of Justice’s crypto enforcement unit.
Behind the scenes, Binance’s leadership is reportedly courting Trump’s inner circle to ease regulatory burdens. Central to this effort is a proposed business alliance with World Liberty Financial (WLFI) — a DeFi venture backed and majority-controlled by the Trump family.
WLFI aims to launch USD1, a U.S. dollar-pegged stablecoin, which could see significant exposure — and revenue — if listed on Binance. Trump and his family reportedly control over 60% of the WLFI project, and its current financial performance is reportedly bleeding millions. A Binance listing could turn that tide.
“This alliance offers a strategic quid pro quo,” reports the WSJ: “Binance gets regulatory relief; the Trumps get access to Binance’s 250 million-user ecosystem and $65 billion in daily volume.”
🤝 Ties Forged in Abu Dhabi
The budding relationship reportedly began in Abu Dhabi in December 2024, during a private gathering that included Binance founder Changpeng “CZ” Zhao, Eric Trump, and real estate executive Steve Witkoff, a co-founder of WLFI. The meeting laid the groundwork for a deeper business and political partnership.
Now, insiders suggest the Trump camp is considering a stake purchase in Binance.US, Binance’s struggling American arm, with the intent of revitalizing operations under new, politically connected leadership. Zhao, despite serving a four-month prison sentence for earlier violations, remains influential and is reportedly seeking a presidential pardon.
🔥 A Controversial Crypto Era in D.C.
This potential partnership represents a significant shift in how crypto firms navigate U.S. politics. Under Biden, Binance faced aggressive enforcement and was forced to exit several key markets. Now, with Trump back in office, crypto is being rebranded as a national innovation agenda, and “bad actors” are seemingly being offered second chances.
The Trump administration has already shown openness to issuing pardons for crypto figures. Trump previously pardoned Arthur Hayes, co-founder of BitMEX, despite his conviction for AML violations.
“The irony is striking,” says one analyst. “A president with his own criminal conviction is now opening the door for one of the most scrutinized crypto firms in history.”
🧠 Final Thoughts
Binance’s strategic pivot to align with Trump signals a seismic political shift in crypto’s regulatory outlook. With a new White House that appears friendlier to crypto, Binance is positioning itself not just for regulatory survival but for a triumphant return to the U.S. market.
If successful, the partnership with WLFI and potential stake in Binance.US could reshape the exchange’s North American presence, reframe narratives around crypto enforcement, and deepen the Trump family’s own ambitions in the blockchain space.
Whether this move bolsters industry legitimacy or revives fears of regulatory capture and favoritism remains to be seen. What’s certain: the Trump-Binance alliance could define the next chapter of crypto in America.
