Senate Democrats Seek DOJ Answers on Binance Deal
A group of Senate Democrats is pressing the Department of Justice (DOJ) for clarity on reports that the Trump administration is trying to ease key safeguards in Binance’s $4.3 billion plea deal. The lawmakers are concerned about the former president’s family’s financial ties to Binance through World Liberty Financial.
Concerns Over Binance Compliance and Political Influence
In a letter sent to Attorney General Pam Bondi, Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) questioned whether Binance is meeting the terms of its 2023 guilty plea. The plea involved charges of money laundering, sanctions violations, and operating an unlicensed money-transmitting business.
The senators also asked if Binance executives discussed a pardon for former CEO Changpeng Zhao or mentioned World Liberty Financial’s plans to launch a new stablecoin during talks with DOJ officials.
Senators Demand Transparency Amid Trump’s Binance Ties
The senators’ concerns grew after reports that Binance is negotiating with the DOJ to remove its independent compliance monitor. This monitor is a key safeguard in the $4.3 billion settlement.
Since May, former President Trump and his family have increased their financial ties to Binance through World Liberty Financial. This makes oversight more important, the senators said.
The DOJ’s September response to their earlier questions did not confirm whether Binance is fulfilling its compliance obligations. Instead, it provided only a summary of the plea agreement.
The senators called the DOJ’s reply inadequate. They demanded clear answers by October 1, 2025. They warned that dropping the compliance monitor could raise serious concerns about political influence in one of crypto’s largest enforcement cases.
