- Warren, Hirono, and Blumenthal press the DOJ for answers on Binance’s compliance with its 2023 settlement.
- Senators raise concerns over Trump family’s Binance ties and possible removal of compliance monitor.
- Lawmakers request that the DOJ deliver substantive answers about Binance’s obligations by 1 October 2025.
US Senator Elizabeth Warren and two of her colleagues are pressing the US Justice Department for clearer answers regarding Binance’s ongoing legal obligations, following the exchange’s guilty plea in 2023.
The letter, co-signed by Senators Mazie Hirono and Richard Blumenthal, was addressed to Attorney General Pamela Bondi on 19 September 2025. It questioned reports that Binance is negotiating to end the oversight of one of its independent compliance monitors, a central requirement of its US$4.3 billion (AU$6.5 billion) settlement with the government.
In May, the lawmakers had already raised alarms about meetings between Binance executives and Trump administration officials, seeking details on whether the firm was meeting the conditions of its plea agreement, its schedule for exiting the US market, and whether there had been any discussion of a pardon for former CEO Changpeng Zhao.
The Justice Department’s response, received in September, noted that Binance had paid its penalties in full and was still required to cooperate with the department and strengthen its compliance programme. However, the Senators argued that the department avoided answering whether those obligations were being met.
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Oversight and Political Ties
In 2023, Binance admitted to multiple federal violations, including money laundering, operating without a licence, breaking US sanctions, and failing to report suspicious activity tied to terrorist groups. Two independent compliance officers were appointed at the time by the Treasury and Justice Departments to oversee remediation.
Reports now suggest Binance is “moving toward a potential deal with the US Justice Department that would allow it to drop” its external monitor. The Senators also cited growing financial links between Binance and the Trump family through World Liberty Financial, adding urgency to their demand for answers.
The lawmakers requested updated responses from the Justice Department no later than 1 October 2025.
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