Changpeng Zhao, commonly referred to as CZ, has publicly repudiated allegations from a recent Wall Street Journal article asserting that he assisted in brokering international agreements for the crypto startup World Liberty Financial, which is linked to Donald Trump’s inner circle.

In a strongly worded response on X, CZ criticized the narrative as misleading, suggesting it was distorted to serve a specific agenda. Particularly, he denied any engagement in facilitating partnerships for World Liberty Financial, a venture associated with Trump’s affiliates.

What the WSJ Claimed

According to the Wall Street Journal, CZ allegedly had a behind-the-scenes role in helping World Liberty Financial broaden its outreach. Zach Witkoff, a co-founder of the cryptocurrency firm, is noted for maintaining close ties with members of the Trump family. The Journal’s article elaborated on a meeting in Pakistan involving WLF and entrepreneur Bilal bin Saqib, claiming CZ played a pivotal role in facilitating that encounter, which subsequently resulted in WLF signing an agreement with a government-supported organization.

CZ Fires Back

CZ swiftly addressed the claims. In his detailed response on X, he refuted the suggestions that he introduced WLF to any foreign associates or contributed to its growth.

Another hit piece from Wall Street Journal. Instead of practicing journalism, they’ve basically relied on Cunningham’s Law with negative intentions.

“Cunningham’s Law: The best way to get the right answer on the Internet is not to ask a question; it’s to post the wrong answer.” - CZ 🔶 BNB (@cz_binance) May 23, 2025

He firmly stated, “I am not a fixer for anyone.” CZ explained that he only met Bilal bin Saqib during a trip to Pakistan, asserting there was no engagement in any meetings between Saqib and WLF. In his view, the connections existed long before his involvement.

Not Just Denial, A Critique of the Process

Beyond defending himself, CZ criticized the reporting by the WSJ for neglecting clarifications offered by his team before the article’s publication. He complained that the inquiries sent by WSJ to his team were laden with incorrect assumptions; even after providing clarifications, these were omitted from the final piece.

He highlighted a concerning trend in journalism: producing sensational stories first and allowing backlash to prompt corrections later. He cited Cunningham’s Law again and suggested that the WSJ chose a more exaggerated angle than the truth.

Why This Is Getting So Much Attention

World Liberty Financial is not just another crypto initiative; its affiliations with Trump’s family and its expanding international operations have attracted significant attention. The intersection of political connections and the crypto market inherently creates complex dynamics, heightening public scrutiny regarding any perceived camaraderie among high-profile figures like CZ in facilitating WLF’s overseas endeavors.

What Happens Next?

As it stands, no formal repercussions have materialized, and CZ has not indicated plans for legal action. However, this situation exemplifies the sensitivity of the interplay between cryptocurrency, politics, and media discourse. Stories involving notable individuals across borders and political factions are unlikely to fade quickly.