CZ Fires Back at WSJ, Denies Trump-Linked Crypto 'Fixer' Claims
Former Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao vehemently refutes a Wall Street Journal report alleging his involvement in facilitating deals for a crypto project linked to Donald Trump.
CZ Denies 'Fixer' Role in Trump-Linked Crypto Project
Changpeng "CZ" Zhao, the former CEO of Binance, is pushing back hard against a recent Wall Street Journal (WSJ) report. The article suggests CZ acted as a facilitator for World Liberty Financial (WLF), a DeFi project with ties to Donald Trump and his sons, Eric and Donald Jr.
The WSJ alleged that CZ used his connections to arrange meetings for WLF representatives during overseas trips, including one to Pakistan where a memorandum of understanding was supposedly secured with a local official.
CZ's Rebuttal
In a post on X, CZ strongly denied the allegations, calling the WSJ article a "hit piece" filled with inaccuracies. He specifically refuted claims that he introduced WLF representatives to Pakistani officials or organized any meetings on their behalf.
"I am not a fixer for anyone," Zhao stated.
He also pointed out that he only met a certain "Mr. Saqib" for the first time in Pakistan, implying the WSJ's narrative was fabricated.
WSJ's Allegations and Trump Connection
The WSJ report highlighted potential conflicts of interest, given Steve Witkoff's role as the US Special Envoy to the Middle East under the Trump administration and his son, Zach Witkoff's, involvement in a reported $2 billion crypto deal. The report questioned if diplomatic efforts overlapped with private crypto ventures and if CZ was attempting to curry favor with the Trump administration.
The article also mentioned CZ's pursuit of a pardon from the Trump administration regarding his prior money laundering conviction, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.
CZ Claims Anti-Crypto Bias
CZ claims the WSJ's questioning was based on flawed and negative assumptions and he views the article as an attack on the broader crypto industry and efforts to establish the US as a crypto capital.
"They want to attack crypto, global crypto leaders and the pro-crypto administration," he stated.
He alleges the WSJ is acting as a mouthpiece for anti-crypto forces seeking to hinder the industry's growth in the US.
Key Takeaways:
- CZ strongly denies acting as a "fixer" for a Trump-linked crypto project.
- He accuses the WSJ of publishing a biased "hit piece" filled with inaccuracies.
- CZ claims the article is part of a broader anti-crypto agenda.
Investment Considerations
As always, investors should consider their risk tolerance and investment timeline before making allocation decisions. Bitcoin remains a volatile asset despite increasing institutional adoption.
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice. Always consult with a qualified financial advisor.