White House Says Trump's Pardon of CZ Underwent 'Extremely Serious' Review

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Tuesday that Donald Trump's pardon of Changpeng Zhao underwent an "extremely serious" review process, TheBlock reports. Leavitt clarified Trump's earlier CBS News interview remarks, noting the pardon involved thorough vetting by the Department of Justice and the White House Counsel's Office, and that Trump's comments indicated no personal relationship with Zhao. During the CBS interview, Trump stated he did not know Zhao personally but understood the case involved a four-month sentence and alleged political persecution under the Biden administration. World Liberty Financial denied involvement in the pardon decision.