Binance Founder Accuses Coinbase of Leaking Report on Trump-Linked Stablecoin

Binance founder Changpeng Zhao, commonly known as CZ, has reignited controversy by alleging that Coinbase was the anonymous source behind a critical report published by a prominent news outlet. The report in question focused on a stablecoin project linked to former U.S. President Donald Trump and Binance's involvement in it. CZ's accusation suggests that Coinbase executives, fearing Binance's potential return to the U.S. market, may have orchestrated the leak to undermine their competition through targeted media reports.

Crypto commentator Matt Wallace highlighted the competitive tensions, stating that Binance is the world's leading crypto exchange. He warned that Coinbase's tactics could have serious repercussions, underscoring the high-stakes nature of the rivalry between the two exchanges. The allegations come amid ongoing legal and regulatory developments in the crypto sector, adding another layer of complexity to the already contentious landscape.

An investigative report implicated Binance in the development of the smart contract behind USD1, a stablecoin issued by World Liberty Financial, a project associated with Donald Trump. The report suggested that Binance's involvement extended beyond technical support, with over 90% of USD1 tokens remaining in Binance-controlled wallets. This arrangement could potentially generate significant annual interest revenue for the exchange, raising questions about Binance's financial incentives and influence within politically charged crypto initiatives.

Changpeng Zhao vehemently denied these claims, labeling the article a "hit piece" sponsored by competitors and threatening legal action for defamation. This public dispute underscores the intensifying rivalry within the crypto exchange landscape, where regulatory scrutiny and market positioning intersect with political narratives. The resurfacing of these allegations has brought to light the fierce competition between Binance and Coinbase, two of the largest cryptocurrency exchanges globally. According to crypto analyst Matt Wallace, Coinbase executives allegedly viewed Binance’s potential re-entry into the U.S. market—especially if Zhao secured a presidential pardon—as a direct threat to their market dominance. This perceived threat may have motivated efforts to discredit Binance through anonymous leaks to media outlets.

Wallace’s commentary reflects broader industry concerns about market share battles influencing public discourse and regulatory pressures. The situation illustrates how corporate rivalry can extend beyond traditional business tactics into the realm of media influence and political maneuvering. Changpeng Zhao’s legal challenges remain a focal point in this unfolding story. After pleading guilty to a felony charge in 2023 and serving a prison sentence, Zhao publicly announced his intention to seek a presidential pardon from Trump. Such a pardon could restore his eligibility to assume leadership roles within U.S.-based crypto firms, potentially reshaping Binance’s strategic direction in the American market.

Simultaneously, Zhao has expanded his influence internationally by advising governments on blockchain regulation. His recent appointments as an advisor to Kyrgyzstan’s foreign investment agency and Pakistan’s Crypto Council demonstrate his ongoing commitment to shaping global crypto policy frameworks, even as legal uncertainties persist in the U.S. The allegations and ensuing responses highlight the complex interplay between regulatory compliance, political affiliations, and competitive strategy in the cryptocurrency sector. Binance’s entanglement with politically sensitive projects like USD1 and Zhao’s legal status could influence regulatory attitudes toward major exchanges, potentially affecting market access and investor confidence.

Moreover, the dispute between Binance and Coinbase exemplifies how competitive dynamics may impact transparency and media narratives within the industry. Stakeholders should monitor these developments closely, as they may signal shifts in regulatory enforcement and market consolidation trends. The controversy surrounding Binance, Coinbase, and the Trump-linked USD1 stablecoin underscores the evolving challenges facing crypto exchanges amid heightened regulatory scrutiny and political entanglements. While Zhao’s denial and legal maneuvers continue to shape the narrative, the broader implications for market competition and regulatory oversight remain significant. Industry participants and observers should remain vigilant as these developments unfold, recognizing the potential for lasting impact on the crypto ecosystem’s governance and competitive landscape.