Revolving Door Project Condemns Pardon of Crypto Criminal Changpeng Zhao

Published: Thursday, October 23, 2025 at 8:13 pm

Trump's Pardon of Crypto Criminal Draws Criticism

WASHINGTON D.C. - The Revolving Door Project has condemned President Donald Trump's pardon of Changpeng Zhao, a convicted money launderer. The organization, led by Executive Director Jeff Hauser, issued a statement following the pardon, criticizing Trump's use of presidential clemency.

The statement highlights the organization's concern over what it views as an established pattern of Trump abusing his pardon powers. The Revolving Door Project, which focuses on government accountability and the influence of corporate interests, suggests that this pardon is part of a larger trend. The organization's statement implies that the pardon of Zhao, a figure connected to the cryptocurrency world, is another example of Trump's willingness to grant clemency to individuals with questionable backgrounds.

The Revolving Door Project's criticism underscores the ongoing debate surrounding presidential pardons and their potential impact on justice and accountability. The organization's focus on the revolving door between government and corporate interests suggests that they view this pardon through the lens of potential conflicts of interest and the influence of powerful individuals. The statement does not provide specific details about the nature of Zhao's crimes or the reasons behind Trump's decision. However, it clearly expresses the organization's disapproval of the pardon and its implications.

The Revolving Door Project's condemnation of the pardon is a reminder of the scrutiny that Trump's actions continue to face, even after leaving office. The organization's statement serves as a call for greater transparency and accountability in the use of presidential clemency powers.

BNN's Perspective:

While presidential pardons are a constitutionally granted power, the frequency and nature of their use can raise legitimate questions. The Revolving Door Project's concerns about potential conflicts of interest and the appearance of favoritism are valid. It is crucial for the public to have confidence in the fairness and impartiality of the justice system, and the use of pardons should be carefully considered to maintain that trust.

Keywords: Donald Trump, pardon, Changpeng Zhao, money laundering, cryptocurrency, Revolving Door Project, Jeff Hauser, presidential clemency, government accountability, corporate interests, justice, accountability

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