Key Takeaways
• Former President Trump was asked about a crypto pardon for Binance founder Changpeng Zhao during “60 Minutes.”
• Trump called the question unfair and said he didn’t know who Zhao was.
• CBS cut this exchange from both the broadcast and the extended online version.
• The removal raises fresh concerns about editing and fairness at the network.
Trump Snubs Question on Crypto Pardon
In his latest “60 Minutes” interview, President Trump got snippy when asked about a crypto pardon. The question never aired. Instead, viewers saw a shorter segment that left out a key part about Binance founder Changpeng Zhao.
Why the Crypto Pardon Topic Was Removed
During the uncut interview transcript, Trump was pressed on whether he would pardon Zhao. He had recently pleaded guilty to money laundering violations. At that time, Trump’s family was expanding into the crypto world and had struck a deal with Zhao’s firm. Yet the network chose to cut that moment.
The Question About a Crypto Pardon
Norah O’Donnell asked: “You and your sons formed a crypto venture that made millions with Zhao. He pled guilty in 2023 to money laundering. Are you concerned about the appearance of corruption?” Trump snapped back that he had never heard of Zhao. Then he called it a “Biden witch hunt.”
Trump’s Reaction
• He said he didn’t know who Changpeng Zhao was.
• He claimed the question was unfair.
• He insisted he wasn’t concerned about any hint of corruption.
However, the cut exchange raises fresh questions. If a former president balks at answering, why remove it entirely? Moreover, the omission could look like censorship or bias.
How the Clip Disappeared
CBS aired a 28-minute edited interview. Later, it released a 73-minute “extended” version online. Yet neither version shows Trump’s back-and-forth with O’Donnell about the crypto pardon. Instead, the transcript on the “60 Minutes Overtime” page revealed the details.
Impact on CBS and Trust
This isn’t the first time CBS faced a claim of deceptive editing. Last year, Trump sued over a Kamala Harris interview. He said they twisted her words. The network settled that suit. Now, critics worry about whether viewers can trust what they see on “60 Minutes.”
Inside the Crypto Connection
Changpeng Zhao, known online as C.Z., founded Binance, the largest crypto exchange by trading volume. In 2023, he pled guilty to violating anti–money laundering laws. He got a four-month sentence. Around that time, Trump’s company, World Liberty Financial, teamed up with Zhao’s venture. They aimed to push new crypto products.
This link sparked questions. If Trump were to pardon Zhao, it would directly benefit his own business interests. Thus, the crypto pardon topic carried weight. Viewers deserved to hear Trump’s full reaction.
What This Means for Media Editing
When major networks cut key moments, viewers wonder about hidden agendas. Critics say that leaving out the crypto pardon exchange hides uncomfortable truths. As a result, some people distrust CBS’s reporting. Meanwhile, new leadership at the network is seen as friendlier to Trump. That change only fuels claims of selective editing.
Broader Questions on Pardons and Ethics
Presidential pardons have always been controversial. Yet pardoning a billionaire who once did business with your family feels especially fraught. Even if no laws were broken, the appearance of favoritism can harm public trust. Therefore, transparency matters more than ever.
Possible Reactions and Next Steps
Supporters of Trump may see the cut as a tactic by CBS to attack him unfairly. Opponents will view it as evidence of network bias. In either case, demands for the unedited footage will grow. Meanwhile, questions about a crypto pardon will continue to shadow both Trump and CBS.
As the 2024 election nears, trust in media and politicians is at a low point. Without clear answers, rumors and mistrust will spread. Therefore, networks face pressure to show full interviews. At the same time, political figures must address tough questions head-on.
What’s Next for the Crypto Pardon Debate?
Since the full interview transcript is online, watchdog groups and opposition researchers can read the missing exchange. They might pressure CBS to release the full video. If CBS resists, critics will call for hearings or public statements. On the political side, Democrats could raise the crypto pardon issue in debates, demanding that Trump clarify his stance.
Meanwhile, Trump’s team may argue that the topic was a low-priority distraction. They might dismiss it as a partisan attack. Yet the more they dodge, the more the story will grow.
Regardless, the crypto pardon question is unlikely to vanish. It sits at the crossroads of politics, media ethics and emerging technology. As such, it highlights how the old world of broadcast news meets the new world of crypto and online scrutiny.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the crypto pardon question that got cut?
The question asked whether Trump would pardon Binance founder Changpeng Zhao. Zhao pled guilty to money laundering while his firm had deals with Trump’s family business.
Why is Changpeng Zhao at the center of this story?
Zhao is the billionaire founder of Binance. In 2023, he admitted to breaking anti–money laundering laws. He also partnered with Trump’s family venture, raising conflict-of-interest concerns if he were pardoned.
Did CBS really remove Trump’s answer on the crypto pardon?
Yes. Both the televised segment and the extended online cut did not include Trump’s responses about the crypto pardon. The full exchange appeared only in an overlooked transcript online.
How does this affect trust in news and politics?
Cutting that question fuels claims of bias and selective editing at a major network. It also shows how political figures might dodge tough topics. As a result, viewers may grow more skeptical of both media outlets and elected leaders.