Trump said, "I do not know Changpeng Zhao."

US President Donald Trump made attention-grabbing statements about Binance's founder Changpeng "CZ" Zhao. In an interview with CBS News, Trump stated that he does not know Zhao, while criticizing the Biden administration's stance towards Zhao. Zhao has faced allegations of violating the Bank Secrecy Act and received a presidential pardon from Trump in October.

Trump expressed that Zhao is a "victim of the government's weaponization," stating that the pardon was given to rectify this injustice. However, Trump clarified his position by saying, "I don't know that guy, I guess I've never met him. Maybe we've shaken hands, but I don't know who he is."

In the interview, Trump emphasized the importance of maintaining the US's competitive edge in the cryptocurrency sector. Stating that "The US must remain number one in crypto," Trump explained the reasons behind this goal. He mentioned that his sons are involved in the crypto industry, saying, "They are in business, they're not in government." This way, he dismissed any claims of conflict of interest.

Senator Elizabeth Warren characterized Trump's pardon as an example of "political gain for money," drawing attention to Zhao's investment connections with Trump. Warren's statements were described as "defamatory" by Zhao's attorney. Trump’s statements have sparked a new debate in Washington regarding crypto policy and political-financial relations.

Cryptocurrency investors are closely monitoring the potential impact of Trump’s statements on the market. The criticisms against Zhao and the pardon occurrences could be significant indicators for the future directions of cryptocurrencies. Factors investors need to consider include regulatory frameworks for cryptocurrencies, market fluctuations, and political influences.