BNB, World Liberty Financial, and several meme coins experienced significant price increases after former U.S. President Donald Trump issued a high-profile pardon to Changpeng “CZ” Zhao, the founder and former CEO of Binance. The move sent shockwaves through the cryptocurrency market, particularly impacting coins and tokens associated with either Zhao or Trump.
Following the news, Binance’s native token, BNB, rallied sharply, gaining approximately 4.7% in value. According to recent market data, BNB hit a trading price of around $1,115, with intraday highs reaching up to $1,149. This marked a notable recovery for the token, which has been under pressure in recent months amid regulatory scrutiny and leadership transitions at Binance.
Even more dramatic was the surge in World Liberty Financial (WLFI), a token operating on the Ethereum blockchain and often associated with both Trump and Zhao. WLFI climbed over 15% within 24 hours, reaching approximately $0.14. The asset has gained popularity in politically themed crypto circles and is perceived by some as a symbol of ideological resistance to centralized financial control.
Meanwhile, the meme coin simply named “4” — a reference to Zhao’s infamous X (formerly Twitter) post listing four reasons why crypto will endure — skyrocketed by 32%, trading above $0.11. This token is built on Binance’s BNB Chain, which continues to be a thriving ecosystem for decentralized applications and experimental tokens.
The market reaction underscores how political moves can influence digital asset prices, especially when those assets are deeply tied to public figures or narratives. In this case, Trump’s pardon of CZ was interpreted by traders as a potential signal of a friendlier stance toward crypto from the former president, who is again a leading candidate in the upcoming U.S. election.
The pardon also reignited investor optimism around Binance, which has weathered a storm of regulatory challenges in various jurisdictions. With CZ now legally cleared in the U.S., many believe the exchange can refocus on innovation and global expansion without the overhang of legal uncertainty.
Meme coins, which often surge on sentiment and social media hype, benefited disproportionately from the news. In addition to “4,” other tokens with indirect ties to Trump or Zhao — including TRUMP and BNB-themed meme assets — posted double-digit gains. These gains, however, come with the usual volatility and risk inherent in low-market-cap cryptocurrencies.
Market analysts suggest that this surge may not be purely speculative. Some see it as a broader expression of optimism that a Trump presidency could usher in a less hostile regulatory environment for crypto. Trump has previously criticized central bank digital currencies and has hinted at supporting more decentralized financial systems.
The political implications are also significant. Trump’s decision to pardon CZ could be seen as a strategic move to win favor among a growing demographic of crypto-enthusiasts and libertarian-leaning voters. This demographic has become more vocal and influential, particularly as the crypto industry continues to expand its footprint in U.S. policy debates.
Moreover, the price movements of politically charged tokens highlight a growing trend where digital assets are used not just for speculation or utility, but as tools for political expression. These “political tokens” often reflect cultural or ideological alliances and can attract fervent communities that drive trading volume.
The Binance ecosystem itself saw renewed activity. Beyond BNB and the “4” token, other assets on the BNB Chain experienced increased transaction volumes and price volatility. This could signal a revitalization of developer and investor interest in the network, which remains one of the most active smart contract platforms globally.
While the long-term impact of the pardon remains to be seen, short-term sentiment has clearly shifted. Market participants are watching closely to see whether the momentum can sustain itself or if this rally will be short-lived.
Additionally, traders are eyeing the broader implications for regulatory clarity. If Trump regains office and follows through on perceived pro-crypto rhetoric, it could lead to significant shifts in how the U.S. approaches digital asset regulation — potentially loosening restrictions and encouraging innovation.
In conclusion, Trump’s pardon of CZ has proven to be a major catalyst in the crypto market, especially for tokens tied to either of the two figures. Whether this marks the beginning of a new bullish phase or is merely a temporary spike remains uncertain. But for now, optimism appears to be back on the table — at least among those betting on a crypto-friendly political future.