Brian Armstrong Invites Ex-DOGE Staff to Join Coinbase After Viral Interview

Shock as Brian Armstrong Invites Ex-DOGE Staff to Join Coinbase After Viral Interview

Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong has extended a public invitation to former employees of the controversial Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), offering them an accelerated path into the cryptocurrency firm.

The move comes in the wake of a viral Fox News interview featuring 22-year-old Ethan Shaotran, a former DOGE operative and Harvard dropout, who described the personal and social backlash he faced for his role within the agency.

A Viral Moment Sparks Industry Support

In the widely shared clip, Shaotran opened up about becoming a social outcast on campus due to his involvement with DOGE  an agency created under former President Donald Trump’s second administration with a mission to cut federal spending and increase government efficiency.

Most of campus hates me,” Shaotran admitted in the interview. “I hope people realize through conversations like this that reform is genuinely needed.”

Shaotran also praised the dedication of his fellow DOGE colleagues, noting their intense work ethic and commitment to overhauling government inefficiencies.

Brian Armstrong Invites Ex-DOGE Staff to Join Coinbase After Viral Interview
Brian Armstrong Invites Ex-DOGE Staff to Join Coinbase After Viral Interview creating a new rival competition

Armstrong’s Open Call to DOGE Veterans

Rather than merely share the video, Armstrong used the moment to offer former DOGE staff a direct opportunity.

“If you are looking for your next mission after serving your country, consider helping create a more efficient financial system for the world,” Armstrong wrote on X (formerly Twitter), including a link to a Coinbase hiring form designed specifically for ex-DOGE operatives.

The post reflects a growing trend of collaboration between cryptocurrency firms and pro-crypto factions within the U.S. government.

The Controversial Rise and Fall of DOGE

Launched on January 20 via executive order, the Department of Government Efficiency was unofficially branded the “United States DOGE Service” (USDS)  a nod to the meme-inspired cryptocurrency.

While its goal was to slash $2 trillion in federal spending by eliminating redundant agencies and programs, DOGE’s reported savings have come under scrutiny.

As of May 11, only $70.9 billion of the agency’s claimed $170 billion in savings has been formally itemized, raising concerns about transparency and accuracy in its reporting.

DOGE also faced early controversies, including a hack of co-leader Vivek Ramaswamy’s X account and reports of unauthorized access to Treasury systems.

In January, Elon Musk, who served alongside Ramaswamy at the helm of DOGE, hinted at the agency’s interest in blockchain-based technologies for government systems.

Coinbase Deepens Ties with Pro-Crypto Politics

Armstrong’s outreach to DOGE staff underscores Coinbase’s increasingly visible political alignment.

In 2024 alone, the company contributed over $70 million to pro-Trump crypto political action committees (PACs), joining forces with other blockchain firms and venture capital groups.

That coalition collectively funneled an estimated $300 million into U.S. politics, shifting the landscape for digital asset regulation and oversight.

In January, Coinbase added Chris LaCivita  a former campaign co-manager for Trump  to its advisory board following the president’s inauguration.

By February, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission dropped several high-profile lawsuits against crypto companies, including one targeting Coinbase itself.

What’s Next for DOGE Alumni?

As Coinbase positions itself as a home for displaced DOGE operatives, Armstrong’s message is clear: the crypto industry sees value in their government experience and reform-driven mindset.

“If your last mission is complete,” the Coinbase hiring page reads, “let’s talk about what you can build next.”

Brian Armstrong, Coinbase, DOGE, Ethan Shaotran, Elon Musk, Vivek Ramaswamy, crypto regulation, U.S. politics, blockchain, Trump administration, crypto hiring


Mr Author

Author is a renowned crypto writer and podcaster, active in the industry since 2019. Beyond his expertise in cryptocurrency, he has made notable appearances in various media outlets. He presented the BBC's "Big Dollar Giveaway" and the thought-provoking documentary "The Dead Are Not Dead" on BBC World Services. Additionally, Leinhardt has contributed to four international documentaries focused on OneCoin, showcasing his depth of knowledge in the crypto space. His diverse experiences and insights have solidified his position as a respected voice in the cryptocurrency community.
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