President Donald Trump stated that he did not know who Changpeng Zhao, the founder of Binance, is during a recent interview on 60 Minutes. This assertion comes despite Trump’s decision to pardon Zhao last month after the crypto entrepreneur pleaded guilty to violating anti-money laundering laws. The interview aired on October 8, 2023, and covered various topics, including immigration and government shutdowns.
When asked about the pardon, Trump responded, “I don’t know who he is… I know he got a four-month sentence or something like that, and I heard it was a Biden witch hunt.” This remark raised eyebrows, especially since Binance has been involved in facilitating a significant transaction linked to Trump’s family interests. Zhao’s company helped facilitate a $2 billion purchase of the stablecoin for World Liberty Financial, a venture associated with the Trump family.
During the interview, Norah O’Donnell pressed Trump on the potential implications of his pardon, specifically addressing concerns about the appearance of “pay for play.” Trump deflected, stating, “I know nothing about it because I’m too busy.” He acknowledged that his sons are involved in the cryptocurrency sector, expressing optimism about the industry while distancing himself from direct involvement.
Government Shutdown and Healthcare Debate
The discussion shifted to the ongoing government shutdown, which is on track to become one of the longest in U.S. history. Trump placed the blame on the Democrats, asserting, “The Republicans are voting almost unanimously to end it, and the Democrats keep voting against ending it.” He did not present a specific plan to resolve the shutdown but expressed confidence that Democrats would eventually concede.
On the matter of healthcare, Trump criticized the Affordable Care Act (ACA), commonly known as Obamacare, labeling it “terrible” and emphasizing the need for reform. He stated, “We should fix that. We should fix it. And we can fix it with the Democrats. All they have to do is let the country open and we’ll fix it.” However, when pressed by O’Donnell for details on his healthcare plan, Trump was unable to provide any specifics.
The president’s remarks included claims regarding immigration, asserting that Democrats prioritize support for undocumented migrants over American citizens. He stated, “they want to give money to prisoners, to drug dealers,” while maintaining that such individuals are ineligible for Medicaid or ACA insurance.
As the political climate continues to evolve, Trump’s comments reflect his strategic positioning on key issues as he navigates the complexities surrounding his administration’s policies and the ongoing challenges in Congress.
