1. United States
2. Ariz.
3. Letter

I am deeply concerned about the recent pardon of Changpeng Zhao by former President Donald Trump and the subsequent revelations about this decision. Trump's admission on "60 Minutes" that he "does not know" and "know[s] nothing about" Zhao, whom he pardoned just last month, raises serious questions about the integrity of the presidential pardon process. Zhao, the founder of Binance crypto exchange, pleaded guilty in 2023 to enabling money laundering and paid $50 million in fines. The gravity of his crimes, which facilitated activities of terrorists, human traffickers, and hackers, cannot be overstated. It is alarming that such a consequential pardon was granted without apparent knowledge of the recipient or the implications of the decision. Furthermore, the potential conflict of interest due to business ties between Binance and a crypto firm co-founded by Trump's sons adds another layer of concern. This situation demands a thorough investigation into how pardons are being granted and whether proper vetting procedures are in place. The irony of this situation is not lost, given the criticism leveled by Trump and other Republicans against President Biden for allegedly being unaware of his own pardons and official acts. Trump's admission undermines these very criticisms and highlights a potentially systemic issue in the pardon process. I urge you to initiate or support a comprehensive investigation into this pardon and the broader pardon process. We need to ensure that presidential pardons are granted based on merit, thorough understanding of the cases, and without conflicts of interest. This investigation should aim to establish clear guidelines and oversight mechanisms for future pardons to prevent potential abuses of this significant presidential power. The integrity of our justice system and the public's trust in executive decisions are at stake. Swift action is necessary to address these concerns and implement reforms that will safeguard the pardon process against potential misuse or negligence.