Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong has issued a bold and public invitation to former staffers of the U.S. Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), encouraging them to continue their mission of systemic reform—this time in the world of crypto. The move, announced via social media on May 14, signals Armstrong’s ongoing commitment to disrupt traditional financial systems while simultaneously aligning Coinbase with a new wave of technocratic talent from the public sector.
This unexpected but strategic hiring outreach follows a viral Fox News interview featuring former DOGE staffer Ethan Shaotran, a 22-year-old Harvard dropout who praised DOGE’s mission despite facing social backlash. Armstrong’s message, both a tribute to DOGE’s achievements and a recruitment call, positions Coinbase as a new frontier for those who want to continue shaping systems at scale.
DOGE and Its Legacy of Efficiency
The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) was launched under President Donald Trump’s administration in early 2025 via executive order. Tasked with trimming bureaucratic waste and streamlining federal operations, DOGE was co-led by high-profile figures Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy. Operating on a mandate of aggressive cost-cutting and tech-inspired management, the department claimed to have saved over $170 billion through measures such as contract cancellations, asset sales, and workforce reductions.
DOGE quickly gained attention for its unconventional approach, with staff often working late into the night under what some described as a startup-style culture. Despite polarised public opinion, the department garnered praise from those who saw it as a symbol of much-needed reform in a bloated federal apparatus. However, the program is set to conclude by July 4, 2026, with Musk reducing his involvement due to legal restrictions on his government service.
Armstrong’s Open Call to Reformers
Amid this backdrop, Armstrong’s announcement lands as both symbolic and tactical. In his post on X (formerly Twitter), he wrote:
“This is an open call for any DOGE staff. If you are looking for your next mission after serving your country, consider helping create a more efficient financial system for the world at Coinbase.”
Armstrong also attached a link to a dedicated portal titled “Done with DOGE?” — a streamlined application process tailored for former DOGE employees. The form invites applicants to share their experience and highlights an expedited review process in recognition of their contributions to federal reform.
By targeting DOGE alumni, Armstrong appears to be building a bridge between government-backed efficiency programmes and decentralised financial innovation, a convergence rarely seen in the crypto industry.
A Shared Vision of Disruption
The outreach echoes Armstrong’s long-standing admiration for DOGE’s approach. In late 2024, he publicly backed the department and even floated replacing the U.S. income tax system with corporate taxation, aligning with DOGE’s radical policy proposals. Armstrong also frequently speaks about the role of crypto in expanding economic freedom and sees DOGE as a kindred effort in reducing inefficiency and empowering individuals.
This ideological synergy suggests more than a PR stunt. By recruiting DOGE veterans, Coinbase could be reinforcing its operational DNA with individuals who understand high-stakes systems change—a trait valuable as the company grows into a mainstream financial player.
Earlier this year, Armstrong compared Bitcoin adoption to the rise of the internet and mobile phones, predicting billions of users by 2030. Just last week, Coinbase became the first crypto-native firm inducted into the S&P 500 Index—cementing its role in global finance.
The Political Undertone
This recruitment push doesn’t come in a vacuum. In 2024, Coinbase reportedly spent over $70 million supporting crypto-friendly political action committees. The company also added Chris LaCivita, a Trump campaign co-manager, to its advisory board. Armstrong’s alignment with former Trump-era initiatives like DOGE may further signal Coinbase’s deeper engagement with the political forces shaping crypto regulation and adoption in the U.S.
In light of the Fox News clip featuring Shaotran—who described sacrificing friendships and social status to work at DOGE—Armstrong’s gesture seems almost restorative. It offers a platform for public servants-turned-pariahs to find purpose again, this time in the decentralised world of finance.
Coinbase’s move to absorb DOGE talent isn’t just a recruitment strategy—it’s a statement about where the company sees itself in the evolving financial and political ecosystem. By welcoming reformers who’ve already demonstrated a capacity to challenge entrenched systems, Armstrong is doubling down on Coinbase’s founding ethos: disruption, innovation, and the pursuit of a freer, more efficient financial future.
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