Congressman French Hill to Bring Binance Executive Tigran Gambaryan as Guest to State of the Union
According to Fox Business reporter Eleanor Terrett, Congressman French Hill will be accompanied by Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan at the State of the Union on March 4. Hill played a significant role in advocating for Gambaryan’s release from a Nigerian prison where he was wrongfully detained for eight months on charges of tax evasion and money laundering.
Terrett reported that Hill, along with other members of Congress, worked tirelessly to convince the Biden administration to secure Gambaryan’s release, citing his unjust detention in Nigeria. In October 2024, the criminal charges against Tigran Gambaryan were dropped by a court in Abuja on medical grounds.
French Hill’s Efforts to Secure Gambaryan’s Release
SCOOP: Congressman @RepFrenchHill is taking @binance executive @TigranGambaryan as his guest to the State of the Union on Tuesday. Hill campaigned to get Gambaryan released from a Nigerian prison where he spent eight months on wrongful charges of tax evasion and money…
— Eleanor Terrett (@EleanorTerrett) February 28, 2025
Congressman French Hill expressed his intention to have Tigran Gambaryan as his guest at the State of the Union, highlighting his advocacy for the Binance executive’s release from Nigerian custody. Gambaryan was originally detained in February 2024 and subsequently imprisoned on allegations of tax evasion and money laundering in Nigeria.
During his visit to Nigeria, Gambaryan was invited by Nigerian officials to discuss the ongoing dispute between the government and Binance regarding money laundering practices and currency devaluation. Despite his imprisonment, Gambaryan’s family and legal team raised concerns about his deteriorating health condition, including a herniated disc in his spine that required urgent medical attention.
Tigran Gambaryan, head of financial crime compliance at Binance Holdings Ltd., center, attends court in Abuja, Nigeria, on Thursday, April 4, 2024. David Exodus/Bloomberg via Getty Images.
Hill personally intervened by visiting Gambaryan in Kuje prison to advocate for his release, emphasizing the need for his return home and allowing Binance to handle any remaining issues with Nigerian authorities. In collaboration with other lawmakers, Hill sent a letter to President Biden urging prompt action to secure Gambaryan’s freedom.
The Winston & Strawn law firm played a pivotal role in negotiating with the Nigerian government to drop charges against Gambaryan and facilitate his release. The firm argued that Gambaryan was unfairly targeted as part of Nigeria’s strategy to pressure Binance for undisclosed information about its clients. The Nigerian government reportedly sought concessions from Binance through Gambaryan’s detention.
President Trump’s Address to Congress
House Speaker Mike Johnson extended an invitation to President Donald Trump to address a joint session of Congress on March 4, marking his first major speech since assuming office. Johnson commended Trump’s leadership and invited him to share his vision for the nation’s legislative agenda during the State of the Union.
“Your administration and the 119th Congress working together have the chance to make these next four years some of the most consequential in our nation’s history.”
-House Speaker Mike Johnson
President Trump’s upcoming speech is anticipated to outline his economic priorities, foreign policy objectives, and overall agenda for the nation. The address will be broadcast live on various platforms, including LiveNOW from FOX.
Following Trump’s speech, Sen. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan will deliver the Democratic Party’s formal rebuttal. The State of the Union address holds significant importance in setting the tone for the administration’s goals and initiatives.
While the President is expected to confirm his attendance, the White House has yet to formally accept Johnson’s invitation. Historically, newly inaugurated presidents have utilized the State of the Union address to articulate their policy objectives and engage with Congress and the American public.