Trump Pardons CZ; Binance Founder Predicts 2026 Bitcoin Super-Cycle

Edgen Crypto

·Jan 23 2026, 15:37

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Key Takeaways

Following a presidential pardon, Binance founder Changpeng 'CZ' Zhao has returned to the public eye with a highly bullish forecast for the cryptocurrency market. In his first interview since his release from prison, Zhao outlined his expectation for a bitcoin "super-cycle" in 2026, a statement that could reinvigorate investor sentiment.

Presidential Pardon: On January 23, 2026, President Trump pardoned Changpeng Zhao, resolving the legal challenges that had sidelined the influential founder of the world's largest crypto exchange.
Bullish Forecast: In a subsequent 'Squawk Box' appearance, Zhao predicted that 2026 would usher in a "super-cycle" for bitcoin, signaling extreme optimism.
Market Signal: The pardon is interpreted as a significant de-risking event for the crypto industry, while Zhao's forecast may fuel speculative interest and boost investor confidence.

Trump Pardon on Jan 23 Removes Major Crypto Uncertainty

Binance founder Changpeng 'CZ' Zhao re-emerged in the public sphere on January 23, 2026, after receiving a presidential pardon from President Trump for his prior legal entanglements. The pardon effectively ends a period of significant uncertainty that surrounded one of the cryptocurrency market's most prominent figures. Following his release from prison, Zhao appeared on CNBC's 'Squawk Box' to discuss his experience and future outlook.

This development is viewed by market participants as a major positive catalyst for the digital asset industry. The resolution of Zhao's case removes a key legal and reputational overhang associated with the sector's largest trading platform, potentially improving the prospects for broader regulatory acceptance and institutional investment.

Zhao Forecasts 2026 Bitcoin 'Super-Cycle'

During the televised interview, Zhao delivered a powerful and optimistic forecast for the cryptocurrency market, stating his belief that 2026 will be a "super-cycle for bitcoin." This prediction from the founder of the world's largest exchange carries substantial weight and is likely to influence market sentiment. His projection suggests a period of exceptional growth and price appreciation, far exceeding typical market cycles.

The forecast provides a strong bullish narrative for investors, coming directly from an individual with deep operational knowledge of crypto market flows and user behavior. Zhao's return to public life, combined with his confident market call, sets a decidedly positive tone for the industry after a period of regulatory and legal pressure.