Brian Armstrong Invites Ex-DOGE Employees to Coinbase

Brian Armstrong Makes Open Call for Ex-Doge Employees to Join Coinbase

14 May 2025 at 19: 55

Reading time: 2 minutes

Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong recently threw his support behind former employees of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an agency created during President Donald Trump’s second term. His invitation comes in the wake of a viral Fox News clip in which Ethan Shaotran, a 22-year-old Harvard dropout and DOGE member, talks about the social impacts of his role. “Most people on campus hate me,” Shaotran says in the interview. He hopes conversations like these will highlight the need for reform.

An Accelerated Route to Coinbase

Armstrong used the attention surrounding Shaotran to encourage former DOGE employees to apply for an expedited hiring process at Coinbase. “If you’re looking for your next mission after serving your country, consider helping create a more efficient financial system for the world at Coinbase,” he wrote on Twitter. This is more than just a retweet; it’s a clear invitation for the expertise of ex-DOGE employees.

Memories of the DOGE era

It’s notable that Armstrong is making this offer while the fallout from DOGE’s controversies is still being felt. The organization was meant to cut government spending by $2 trillion by cutting unnecessary agencies and programs. So far, DOGE has claimed $170 billion in savings, though several news organizations have questioned the evidence for these numbers. It also recently cost DOGE its transition from a meme coin to a serious government institution.

The Political Downside

Armstrong's invitation also comes at a time when Coinbase has become increasingly vocal about its political stance. The company has invested more than $70 million in pro-Trump crypto PACs in 2024. This is part of a broader movement that has seen over $300 million in crypto money pour into US politics. Following Trump's inauguration, Coinbase also welcomed his campaign coordinator Chris LaCivita to its advisory board. This comes as the SEC dismissed several lawsuits against crypto companies, including Coinbase.

A Ronald McDonald in the Crypto World

Sometimes the crypto world can seem like an absurdist play, with strange contrivances disrupting the normal flow of business. Armstrong’s offering to ex-DOGE employees is a perfect example of this. Not only does it illustrate the relationship between crypto and politics, it also demonstrates a willingness to take risks to drive technological progress.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is DOGE's role in the US government?
The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) was created with the ambition of reducing government expenditures by cutting unnecessary agencies and creating more efficient programs.

Why did Armstrong invite ex-DOGE employees to apply for jobs at Coinbase?
Armstrong sees the expertise and experience of these employees as valuable in improving the financial system and strengthening Coinbase in the current political landscape.

What are DOGE's key financial figures so far?
DOGE claims $170 billion in savings so far, although they have been criticized for the transparency of these figures. To date, only $70.9 billion of these savings have been detailed.

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