Newsom’s New Website Calls Out Trump’s Ties to Convicted Crypto Figures

TLDR

• Governor Gavin Newsom’s new site criticizes Trump’s pardons, especially for crypto convicts.
• Newsom’s site features crypto figures like CZ Zhao and Ross Ulbricht, calling them criminals.
• Newsom uses the site to spotlight Trump’s ties to convicted crypto figures.
• The website emphasizes California’s decline in crime under Newsom’s leadership.

California Governor Gavin Newsom has launched a new website aimed at exposing President Donald Trump’s ties to individuals with criminal backgrounds, particularly in the cryptocurrency sector. The site features figures such as former Binance CEO Changpeng “CZ” Zhao, Silk Road founder Ross Ulbricht, and the co-founders of BitMEX, all of whom were pardoned by Trump. Newsom’s move intensifies his ongoing public criticism of the president while highlighting California’s declining crime rates.

California Governor Newsom Criticizes Trump’s Pardons

California Governor Gavin Newsom has launched a new page on the state’s official website, aiming to highlight President Donald Trump’s pardons of individuals with criminal backgrounds. The site, titled “Tracking Trump’s Top 10 Criminal Cronies,” specifically targets figures in the cryptocurrency space, including former Binance CEO Changpeng “CZ” Zhao, Silk Road founder Ross Ulbricht, and the co-founders of BitMEX. Newsom’s move serves as part of his ongoing public criticism of the president and his associations with controversial figures.

The website features a list of individuals pardoned by Trump, labeling them as criminals, with the term “FELON” stamped across their images. In a statement, Governor Newsom remarked, “Trump is a felon who surrounds himself with scammers and drug traffickers.” The site aims to provide the public with a centralized resource to track these individuals and expose the ties between Trump and those convicted of serious crimes. Newsom’s message also seeks to contrast California’s declining crime rates under his leadership.

Trump’s Pardons in the Crypto Space

The website pays particular attention to several figures from the cryptocurrency world who received presidential pardons. Among them are Changpeng “CZ” Zhao, the former CEO of Binance, and Ross Ulbricht, the founder of the Silk Road dark web marketplace. Both figures are well-known in the crypto space, but their legal histories have drawn criticism.

Zhao was pardoned in October 2025 after facing allegations related to money laundering and illegal financial activities. Ulbricht, convicted for his role in creating and operating Silk Road, was granted clemency by Trump in January 2021. Silk Road, a popular marketplace for illegal drugs, was shut down by the FBI in 2013. Additionally, the site mentions the co-founders of BitMEX, a crypto trading platform, who were pardoned by Trump in May 2025 after being convicted of illegal trading practices.

The Political Context Behind Newsom’s Actions

Gavin Newsom has become an increasingly prominent figure in national politics, particularly in the context of his frequent public jabs at President Trump. While Newsom has yet to confirm his 2028 presidential ambitions, his criticism of Trump is viewed by many as an early sign of his potential candidacy.

The launch of the website also seems to be aimed at bolstering Newsom’s image as a tough leader on crime. By showcasing the pardons granted by Trump to individuals with criminal backgrounds, Newsom positions himself as a contrast to the former president.

In addition to calling attention to Trump’s controversial ties, Newsom’s office also highlights the success of his administration in reducing crime levels in California. This message aims to strengthen his reputation as a leader who effectively manages crime and public safety.

The Public Response and Potential Impact

The launch of Newsom’s new website has attracted significant attention on social media, sparking debate on both sides of the political spectrum. Supporters of Newsom praise his bold stance in exposing Trump’s connections to convicted criminals, especially in the crypto sector. Critics, however, argue that Newsom is politicizing the issue and using the site to score points in a potential future presidential race.

The website also comes at a time when Newsom is positioning himself as a strong voice in the Democratic Party. Whether this strategy will resonate with voters as the 2028 election approaches remains to be seen. Regardless, Newsom’s actions underscore the ongoing political rivalry between him and Trump, with the California governor using every opportunity to challenge the president’s record and public image.

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