By John Q. Hosedrinker 
In a recent interview, former President Donald Trump claimed ignorance regarding his pardon of Binance founder Changpeng Zhao, who was convicted of money-laundering. Despite the pardon coming shortly after a multibillion-dollar deal between Binance and World Liberty Financial, a crypto venture founded by Trump’s sons, the former president stated he didn’t know Zhao and viewed the case as a “Biden witch hunt.” Trump’s response also included a comment that his sons were “into it” and he thought crypto was “a great industry.” The pardon has raised concerns about the appearance of corruption, especially given Binance’s reported efforts to secure the pardon following Trump’s election win, according to reports.
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Trump, 79, Admits He Has ‘No Idea’ Who Billionaire He Pardoned Is, and the implications are, well, a bit unsettling, to say the least. It’s hard to ignore the basic question: if you’re issuing a presidential pardon, shouldn’t you at least know who you’re letting off the hook? The whole thing has a “Twilight Zone” quality to it, doesn’t it? Here’s a man who once held the most powerful office in the world, and now, at age 79, can’t recall the identity of someone he granted clemency. It’s a statement that immediately raises eyebrows, setting off a cascade of questions about motivations and the decision-making process.
So, the first thing that comes to mind is, who put this pardon into motion? Did someone on his staff suggest it? Was it another billionaire pulling strings behind the scenes? Or perhaps someone associated with the Trump organization? The lack of recollection opens the door to speculation, especially when considering the potential financial ties and the murky world of influence that often swirls around such high-profile decisions. The obvious question lingers: was it a favor, a payoff, or something else entirely?
Then, the inevitable comparison to the Biden “auto pen” situation kicks in. It’s a bit ironic, isn’t it? The same folks who railed against Biden’s alleged lack of awareness regarding actions taken with an automated device seem perfectly willing to accept Trump’s memory lapse. It’s almost as if some are willing to excuse this because he’s “one of them,” while others aren’t. What does this mean for the principles of fairness and accountability?
Looking at the situation, there are several possible explanations. The first, and arguably the most obvious, is that he’s outright lying. This isn’t a stretch, considering his history. The second possibility is more concerning: is his cognitive function starting to slip? Does he really not remember? Or is the third, perhaps most chilling scenario the most probable? Maybe someone else is actually pulling the strings, directing the pardons without his active involvement or comprehension.
Consider this: if the pardon was invalid, where does that leave the individual who received it? Back in jail? The whole thing reeks of potential corruption, doesn’t it? The fact that he can allegedly remember every enemy from decades ago, but conveniently forgets the people he has done favors for, speaks volumes. It’s a classic example of “selective memory,” and it can be hard to argue against.
The timing of this is also notable, particularly in light of reports connecting the Trump family’s crypto venture to a $2 billion deal struck with Binance, a crypto exchange, just before the pardon. Is it a coincidence? Or is it a clear indicator of a quid pro quo situation? The entire matter raises serious concerns about the abuse of power and the intersection of political influence and financial gain.
The fact that this admission – or what appears to be an admission – is happening now, after the fact, is a testament to the chaos that often accompanies the Trump persona. The statement itself, “I have no idea who this person is,” is a phrase that encapsulates the audacity and the flippant disregard for accountability that has become a hallmark of his public life. There’s a certain casualness to it, as if the entire process of granting a pardon is a trivial matter.
The situation also raises questions about the role of the media and the political establishment. Why aren’t more journalists pressing him on this? Shouldn’t we expect more scrutiny? It’s not enough to simply report the headline; we need to delve deeper into the circumstances surrounding the pardon. And let’s be honest: does anyone truly believe he had “no idea?” The whole thing just feels like a deliberate attempt to distance himself from any potential wrongdoing, to deflect blame, and to leave others holding the bag.
The potential for such blatant corruption raises an alarming question: Are we seeing a leader who is either unwilling or unable to govern with any semblance of integrity? What are the implications for the future if this pattern continues? And what about the people who supported and enabled this behavior? Do they not understand the gravity of the situation?
This incident is more than just a momentary gaffe; it’s a symptom of a larger problem. It’s a reflection of a political culture where accountability is often secondary to power, and where truth is frequently sacrificed at the altar of personal gain. Ultimately, it’s a situation that should worry anyone who cares about the principles of fairness, transparency, and the rule of law. And, perhaps most unsettling, is the possibility that this is a sign of a larger pattern. The admission that “I have no idea” could signify a disturbing level of detachment from the responsibilities of leadership, leaving a significant void that others are all too eager to fill. The potential for manipulation, corruption, and the erosion of democratic norms is all too clear.