Andy Kim Questions Treasury Secretary on Trump's Pardon of Binance Founder and Conflicts of Interest

Russia Sanctions and War Crimes

• 🇺🇦 Senator Andy Kim affirmed that Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent agrees Russia's invasion of Ukraine was illegal and that Vladimir Putin is a war criminal.
• 💰 Kim questioned Bessent on the number of China-based entities sanctioned under the Russia sanctions program, noting the previous administration added 297 while the current administration has added zero.
• 🚢 Kim urged Bessent to commit to sanctioning Russia's shadow fleet, but Bessent stated he would take it under consideration and see how peace talks progress.

Money Laundering and Binance Pardon

• ⚖️ Bessent agreed that money laundering is a national security threat.
• ❓ Kim inquired if President Trump's pardon of Binance founder "CZ," who pleaded guilty to violating anti-money laundering laws, after Binance injected billions into Trump's family business, constitutes a conflict of interest.
• 🤷 Bessent stated he was unfamiliar with the details and that the pardon role is not one he holds.

Jared Kushner's Role and Conflicts

• 🤝 Kim questioned Bessent about Jared Kushner's participation in Russia talks and his official role in the US government.
• 🗣️ Bessent clarified that Kushner is designated as an interlocutor and does not hold an official position, though he is involved in bringing people into talks.
• 📢 Kim raised concerns about the Trump family's involvement in various roles without official positions, citing Pakistan's announcement to use Trump family companies' crypto for cross-border transactions.

Broader Conflicts of Interest

• 🏦 Kim highlighted concerns about financial disclosures for individuals involved in government discussions, referencing Trump's lawsuit against the Treasury and IRS for $10 billion.
• ⚖️ Bessent deferred questions about Trump's lawsuit against the Treasury and IRS to the Justice Department, stating they represent the Treasury.