Polymarket Bettors Favor CZ as Leading Candidate for Trump Pardon in 2025
Poll results from decentralized betting site Polymarket show that bettors are heavily tipping former Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao (CZ) to be granted a presidential pardon. Following a guilty plea and subsequent application for a pardon, indications suggest that most within the crypto circle expect a favorable ruling from the White House.
In brief
- Polymarket poll shows 36% of bettors expect CZ to be granted a Trump pardon in 2025.
- George Santos and Roger Ver follow with 14% bets each on a potential presidential pardon.
- CZ filed a formal pardon request after pleading guilty to money-laundering violations.
- Lawmakers raised concerns over CZ’s pardon bid tied to a $2B Binance stablecoin deal.
Polymarket Bettors See CZ as Top Candidate for Potential Trump Pardon
In a recent “Who will Trump pardon in 2025?” poll conducted by Polymarket, 36% of participants wagered that CZ would receive a presidential pardon this year. Lawmaker George Santos and prominent businessman Roger Ver also made the poll, each seeing a 14% wager on a potential Trump pardon. Rudy Giuliani, Sean “Diddy” Combs, and Steve Bannon are other names that made the list.
This high number of bets suggests that the market remains keen on the fate of the former Binance CEO. For a speculation–driven market, 36% represents a significant lead and firm conviction from bettors regarding CZ’s possible pardon.
Still, the Polymarket report captures market participants’ expectations rather than the White House’s formal view. As such, it’s necessary to note that fresh updates in the prediction markets can move quickly. Besides, these polls primarily spotlight public expectations.
CZ’s Pardon Bid Stirs Political Scrutiny Amid Binance Deal Concerns
In November 2023, CZ stepped down from his role as Binance CEO after pleading guilty to violating US money-laundering laws at Binance. The following year, Zhao was sentenced to four months in prison after Seattle District Judge Richard Jones turned down requests by prosecutors to slap the former Binance chief with a three-year jail term.
According to reports, Zhao publicly discussed the possibility of a pardon after former president Joe Biden’s controversial pardon of his son Hunter Biden, who was facing criminal charges. He also admitted to filing a formal pardon application with the White House during a podcast in May.
News of CZ’s presidential pardon filing sparked notable reactions from key Democratic Congressmen. In a letter addressed to White House Counsel David Warrington and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, Elizabeth Warren and other lawmakers asked for clarity regarding the status of any pardon.
As the report states, the Congressmen pointed to concerns about a $2 billion stablecoin deal called USD1 involving Binance, World Liberty Financial (WLFI), and an Emirati firm, MGX. According to the lawmakers, this overlap of business ties and a pardon request remains a matter of great concern.
Even though Changpeng Zhao remains ahead of other notable names in the Polymarket pardon poll, the market’s position does not reflect the White House’s verdict. Moreover, pardons are political acts subject to influences from various factors outside market control.
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James Godstime is a crypto journalist and market analyst with over three years of experience in crypto, Web3, and finance. He simplifies complex and technical ideas to engage readers. Outside of work, he enjoys football and tennis, which he follows passionately.
The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this article belong solely to the author, and should not be taken as investment advice. Do your own research before taking any investment decisions.