California Governor Takes Aim at Trump’s Crypto Pardons
Key Takeaways
- California Governor Gavin Newsom launches a website targeting Trump’s presidential pardons, including those of crypto figures.
- CZ, Ross Ulbricht, and Arthur Hayes are among those singled out as “criminal cronies” by Newsom.
- The move is seen as a partisan attack on Trump’s legacy and a critique of the crypto industry’s connections to the former president.
A Partisan Attack on Trump’s Legacy
California Governor Gavin Newsom has launched a new website aimed at criticizing former President Donald Trump’s presidential pardons, with a particular focus on those issued to figures in the cryptocurrency industry. The website, titled “Trump’s Criminal Cronies,” singles out Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao (CZ), Silk Road founder Ross Ulbricht, and BitMEX co-founder Arthur Hayes as examples of individuals who received pardons or clemency from Trump.
Newsom’s move is seen as a partisan attack on Trump’s legacy, as well as a critique of the cryptocurrency industry’s connections to the former president. The website claims that Trump’s pardons were motivated by a desire to reward his “cronies” and “boost his own image,” rather than to serve the interests of justice.
A Focus on Crypto Figures
The inclusion of CZ, Ulbricht, and Hayes on the website is notable, as it highlights the connections between the cryptocurrency industry and the Trump administration. CZ, in particular, has been a vocal supporter of Trump and has been accused of using his platform to promote conspiracy theories and misinformation.
Ulbricht, who was convicted of money laundering and other crimes related to his operation of the Silk Road darknet market, was granted clemency by Trump in January 2021. Hayes, who was charged with violating anti-money laundering laws, received a pardon from Trump in December 2020.
Implications for the Crypto Industry
The move by Newsom to target Trump’s crypto pardons is likely to have implications for the cryptocurrency industry, which has struggled to shake off its reputation for being associated with illicit activity. By highlighting the connections between the industry and the Trump administration, Newsom’s website may fuel further scrutiny of the industry’s practices and relationships.
However, it remains to be seen whether Newsom’s efforts will have a lasting impact on the industry, or whether they will be seen as a partisan attack with little substance.
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