The crypto community was in an uproar on Friday as polymarket bettors began betting on the possibility of Chao Changpeng “CZ” Chao returning to Binance following his sudden pardon by US President Donald Trump.
According to Polymarket data, the odds of CZ returning to Binance by the end of 2025 have soared by more than 60%, jumping to 82% early Friday when the news broke.
But once the excitement wore off, the number stabilized at around 36% by the evening. This dramatic shift reflected both initial euphoria and uncertainty surrounding CZ’s future role in the exchange it founded.
President Trump’s pardon CZ shocks the crypto market
According to reports, President Trump formally pardoned CZ on Thursday, confirming that his conviction related to Binance’s 2023 money laundering violations was cleared. Under the 2023 settlement, Binance paid more than $4 billion in forfeitures, while CZ himself was fined $50 million and resigned as CEO.
“President Trump’s decision is aimed at correcting what the administration views as Biden’s war on cryptocurrencies,” White House press secretary Caroline Levitt said, stressing that Zhao was targeted for prosecution despite no allegations of fraud or identifiable victims.
The pardon has sparked intense debate in financial and political circles, with many seeing it as a symbolic green light for the broader crypto industry under President Trump’s leadership. Analysts say the decision could have far-reaching implications for global cryptocurrency regulation and investor sentiment.
Also read: Will Trump pardon FTX founder Sam Bankman Fried? Polimarket bets say it’s probably a possibility
CZ breaks his silence and announces his return to the major leagues
Immediately after the amnesty announcement, CZ expressed his gratitude to X as follows:
“We are deeply grateful to President Trump for today’s pardon and for supporting America’s commitment to equity, innovation, and justice.”
He further hinted at ambitions to make “America the crypto capital” and power global Web3 innovation. Mr. Zhao also teased the mysterious project, writing only that “a book will be released soon.”
Although he has not officially confirmed his return to Binance, his optimistic stance coupled with Polymarket’s betting frenzy has fueled speculation that the crypto mogul could return to the spotlight sooner than expected.
Also read: Binance’s CZ hits back at Sen. Warren’s ‘fraud’ claims following Trump pardon
What’s next for CZ and Binance?
Trump’s pardon is reshaping the narrative around crypto regulation, and market participants believe CZ’s influence could rise again through Binance and new ventures. For now, traders and enthusiasts are keeping a close eye on the polymarket, where the probability of a CZ comeback continues to fluctuate as rapidly as the crypto market itself.
