In a surprising move, Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong has publicly invited former employees of the U.S. Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to apply for positions at the crypto exchange giant. The announcement came amid an accelerated recruitment drive specifically designed to onboard these ex-DOGE staffers.
Armstrong praised the agency's efforts to improve federal efficiency and expressed enthusiasm about leveraging their expertise to enhance Coinbase’s mission of creating a more efficient global financial system.
Founded in early 2025 under the Trump administration, DOGE, led by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, claimed to have saved $170 billion through aggressive asset sales and program cuts. Despite its controversial mandate, Armstrong sees potential in the skill sets developed within DOGE.
The invitation follows a viral Fox News interview with Ethan Shaotran, a 22-year-old former DOGE employee and Harvard dropout, who discussed the intense challenges faced while working at DOGE. Armstrong’s offer signals a recognition of this experience and a willingness to bring it into the crypto sector.
Coinbase has recently deepened its political connections, investing over $70 million in crypto-friendly political action committees. Chris LaCivita, a former co-manager of Trump’s presidential campaign, has also joined the company’s advisory board.
As Coinbase continues to navigate the complex intersection of crypto and politics, this latest hiring move underscores the industry's growing appetite for government expertise and institutional know-how.
Source: Decrypt article on Brian Armstrong’s call to ex-DOGE staff
Secondary Source: TronWeekly piece on Coinbase’s push for ex-DOGE talent
