CZ denies rumors of his links to WLFI
CZ denies links to Trump-backed WLFI, slams WSJ report
Binance co-founder Changpeng Zhao (CZ) has strongly denied allegations linking him to World Liberty Financial (WLFI), a crypto project backed by members of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s family.
CZ slammed a Wall Street Journal (WSJ) article as a “hit piece” full of “negative assumptions” and factual inaccuracies, reports Cryptopolitan.
The report had claimed CZ acted as a “fixer” for WLFI, facilitating foreign introductions—including a meeting in Pakistan. Zhao emphasized that his past dealings have been fully transparent and lawful, with no direct ties to WLFI’s business operations.
Zhao rebuffs claims of WLFI involvement
CZ clarified that he only met Pakistani official Mr. Saqib for the first time during his recent trip and did not coordinate any meetings for WLFI. “They had known each other way back,” he wrote, adding that he has never played any intermediary role for WLFI or its co-founder Zach Witkoff.
Zhao also accused the WSJ of submitting biased questions and acting as a mouthpiece for anti-crypto forces, alleging a campaign to damage crypto’s reputation and stall pro-crypto policies in the U.S. He reiterated that any efforts to link him to WLFI were baseless and politically motivated.
WSJ probes WLFI’s political connections and funding
The WSJ report had highlighted WLFI’s deep ties to the Trump family and raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest between public diplomacy and private crypto dealings. WLFI has reportedly raised over $600 million in token sales, yet continues to withhold its full investor list.
The article also tied Zhao to recent lobbying efforts and speculated on his bid for a presidential pardon after his prior conviction. The report further questioned whether Zhao’s proximity to Trump-linked figures could influence regulatory outcomes in the U.S. crypto landscape.
Recently we wrote that Changpeng Zhao, the CEO of Binance, advises on risk management for investors.
