The Art of the Crypto Deal: Trump and Binance in the Spotlight
Trump and Binance: A Crypto Power Deal in the Making?

The Trump family's latest foray into the cryptocurrency space is drawing heightened attention, as reports emerge that World Liberty Financial Inc., one of their crypto ventures, has engaged in discussions with Binance Holdings Ltd., the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange. The potential collaboration could mark a significant expansion of Trump’s influence in the digital asset sector while raising serious concerns about regulatory oversight and ethical implications.
A High-Stakes Partnership in the Making
Discussions between World Liberty and Binance have remained largely behind closed doors, with sources indicating that one of the key proposals includes Binance developing a stablecoin— a cryptocurrency pegged to the U.S. dollar— for Trump’s crypto company. If the deal materializes, it would place the former president’s business interests at the heart of the digital finance revolution, aligning with his administration’s recent push for crypto-friendly policies.
Adding to the intrigue, representatives from Trump’s camp have reportedly explored the possibility of acquiring a stake in Binance.US, the American arm of the exchange. This development comes at a time when Binance and its founder, Changpeng Zhao, are still recovering from legal battles, including a record-breaking $4.3 billion fine for anti-money laundering violations.
A Troubled History: Binance’s Legal Woes
Binance has faced intense regulatory scrutiny over its operations, particularly concerning its alleged role in facilitating illicit transactions. U.S. authorities have accused the company of allowing criminals, terrorists, and sanctioned entities to move funds through its platform. Zhao himself pleaded guilty to money laundering failures and served a four-month sentence before stepping down as Binance’s CEO. Despite his legal troubles, he remains the company’s controlling shareholder, with an estimated net worth of $36.9 billion.
The prospect of a Trump-Binance alliance has raised eyebrows, given the history of compliance failures tied to the exchange. Critics argue that such a partnership could exacerbate concerns about financial transparency, especially as Trump’s administration is in the process of rewriting crypto regulations that could directly impact Binance and its competitors.
Shifting Stance on Crypto Regulation
Trump’s relationship with cryptocurrency has undergone a dramatic transformation. As recently as 2021, he dismissed Bitcoin as a “scam.” Yet, by mid-2024, he had fully embraced digital assets, promising to make the United States the “crypto capital of the planet.” His administration has since proposed cutting regulatory barriers and even acquiring government-held reserves of Bitcoin.
This policy shift has made Trump a favored figure among crypto investors, particularly those seeking deregulation. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which had been actively cracking down on crypto firms under previous administrations, has largely paused enforcement actions under Trump. Notably, the agency has yet to resolve its case against Binance, despite the exchange’s past legal troubles.
The Business of Politics and Crypto
Trump’s direct involvement in the cryptocurrency industry has blurred the lines between politics and personal business. World Liberty Financial, the crypto venture he and his sons launched, has already raised $300 million through token sales— despite restrictions on reselling those tokens or earning dividends. The company has positioned itself as an alternative to traditional banking, marketing its products as a gateway to financial freedom.
Financial disclosures reveal that the Trump family receives 75% of World Liberty’s net revenue, while key allies, including real estate developer Steve Witkoff and his sons, claim another 12.5%. Witkoff’s role in the venture has further fueled speculation about potential conflicts of interest, given his ongoing diplomatic responsibilities in the Middle East.
Ethics and Conflicts of Interest
The potential Binance deal is occurring at a precarious moment for Trump’s business empire. His second-term ethics plan, unlike the one implemented in 2017, places no restrictions on new foreign business deals. The Trump Organization claims that all assets have been placed in a trust managed by his children, but critics argue that this structure does little to prevent conflicts of interest.
The optics of a partnership with Binance— a company previously accused of enabling illicit financial activities— have sparked concern among regulators and watchdog groups. The lack of transparency surrounding the discussions has only fueled further speculation.
The Future of Trump’s Crypto Empire
As World Liberty continues to carve out its place in the digital asset landscape, its potential partnership with Binance could prove to be a defining moment for the company. If successful, the venture could help solidify Trump’s influence in the crypto market, aligning with his administration’s broader push to embrace digital finance.
However, the risks remain substantial. The regulatory environment surrounding Binance is still uncertain, and any missteps could invite further scrutiny from lawmakers and enforcement agencies. Moreover, the ethical concerns surrounding Trump’s financial entanglements could become a flashpoint in future political battles.
For now, the cryptocurrency world watches closely as two of its most controversial figures— Donald Trump and Changpeng Zhao— navigate the complexities of power, finance, and regulation. The outcome of their discussions could have lasting implications, not just for their respective ventures, but for the broader landscape of digital finance in the United States and beyond.
