- Binance has hired a close ally of Donald Trump Jr. to lobby the White House.
- The company reportedly paid $450,000 to the lobbyist’s firm in the past month.
- The move comes shortly after President Trump pardoned Binance founder CZ.
Binance has reportedly hired Ches McDowell, a North Carolina lobbyist and longtime hunting partner of Donald Trump Jr., to lobby the White House and Treasury Department on financial policy and “administrative relief” matters.
$450,000 Lobbying Deal
According to disclosure reports cited by Politico, Binance paid McDowell’s firm, Checkmate Government Relations, $450,000 for its work in the past month alone.
Despite being a newcomer in Washington, Checkmate has quickly become one of the most lucrative lobbying firms in the capital. It has generated over $7.1 million in revenue in just the last three months.
The hiring is part of Binance’s larger effort to restore its reputation and rebuild relationships in Washington after years of legal trouble. Last week, President Donald Trump granted a pardon to Binance founder Changpeng Zhao (CZ).
Notably, CZ had served prison time for violations related to anti-money laundering laws. Politico’s report described CZ’s pardon as a “remarkable turn of fortune” for the billionaire entrepreneur.
The new lobbying push highlights the rising influence of people tied to Trump’s inner circle in shaping U.S. financial and crypto policy.
Connections with Trump’s Inner Circle
McDowell’s relationship with the Trump family has made him a key figure for crypto companies seeking access to the administration. Recent photos showed McDowell and Trump Jr. speaking with President Trump at a White House event honoring conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Binance and Zhao have also strengthened their legal connections to Trump’s team. In February, just weeks after Trump returned to office, they hired well-known crypto attorney Teresa Goody Guillén, once considered for SEC Chair under Trump. Her firm has since received $290,000 in legal fees from Binance and Zhao.
Related: Binance CZ: “We’re Extremely Bullish” on the Future of Bitcoin and Crypto in the U.S.
From Legal Setbacks to Political Comeback
The move marks a sharp rebound for Binance. In 2024, the company slashed its Washington presence after agreeing to a $4 billion settlement with U.S. regulators. Zhao stepped down as CEO, paid a $50 million fine, and served a short prison sentence for compliance failures.
With Trump back in office, Binance’s Washington activity has surged again. The exchange has already reported $860,000 in lobbying expenses for 2025, signaling a renewed effort to rebuild trust with U.S. policymakers.
Zhao’s pardon and Binance’s renewed lobbying reflect a changing attitude toward cryptocurrency in Trump’s Washington. The administration has taken a notably pro-crypto stance, with Binance’s new CEO, Richard Teng, saying “the future is bright” under Trump’s leadership.
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