Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong is making headlines once again—this time by extending an open invitation to former employees of the U.S. Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). In a bold and strategic move, Armstrong is encouraging DOGE staffers to join the crypto exchange in its mission to build a more streamlined and inclusive financial system.

The invitation follows growing public interest in DOGE, a federal initiative launched under former President Donald Trump and led by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy. DOGE, established to eliminate bureaucratic waste and inefficiencies in the federal government, has become a lightning rod for debate—praised for its aggressive cost-cutting yet criticised for its disruptive tactics. Now, as DOGE winds down and its top figure Musk reduces his involvement, Coinbase is positioning itself as a natural landing spot for these agents of efficiency.

DOGE to DeFi: Armstrong’s Public Call

In a social media post dated 13 May, Armstrong reposted a viral clip from Fox News featuring Ethan Shaotran—a 22-year-old Harvard dropout and former DOGE operative. Shaotran emotionally described how working for DOGE cost him friendships and social capital at university, but reaffirmed the team’s mission and work ethic. The young reformer portrayed DOGE as a unique government body focused on real change: trimming waste, cancelling redundant contracts, and selling off underused assets.

Impressed by this level of dedication, Armstrong issued a public call:

“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 launched a job application portal titled “Done with DOGE?”, allowing ex-DOGE staffers to apply through an expedited process, reflecting Coinbase’s admiration for the department’s high-intensity approach to reform.

DOGE’s Impact: Efficiency Meets Controversy

The Department of Government Efficiency was formed in early 2025 through an executive order and given an ambitious mandate: streamline federal agencies, reduce overhead, and modernise workflows using a tech-centric approach. The department claims it has saved the government $170 billion through asset liquidations, workforce reductions, and lease cancellations. However, critics have accused DOGE of being too radical and overly reliant on disruptive tactics.

Elon Musk, appointed as a “special government employee,” can serve only 130 days per year and is now stepping back from active involvement. As a result, many DOGE employees are expected to exit the agency, opening up a highly skilled talent pool.

Armstrong, who has consistently supported DOGE’s vision, sees this transition as an opportunity to onboard reform-minded professionals into the decentralised finance (DeFi) space.

Coinbase’s Political Pivot and Strategic Positioning

Coinbase’s recruitment campaign for DOGE staff comes amid its growing political engagement and regulatory pushback. In 2024, the company spent over $70 million supporting crypto-friendly political action committees. Recently, it added Chris LaCivita, co-manager of Donald Trump’s 2024 campaign, to its advisory board—further signalling its shift toward direct political influence.

Armstrong has long been a vocal critic of the existing financial system. In November 2024, he proposed scrapping individual income taxes in favour of corporate taxation, citing DOGE’s policy framework as a blueprint for large-scale reform. In February 2025, he likened Bitcoin adoption to the early internet era, predicting billions of users globally by 2030. More recently, he has pushed for stablecoin partnerships, urging banks to work with existing crypto infrastructure rather than creating their own.

This political and ideological alignment with DOGE’s founding vision gives Coinbase a strong case for hiring departing staff. Armstrong’s proposition isn’t just about hiring smart people—it’s about cultivating a culture of systemic innovation.

The Bigger Picture: From Bureaucracy to Blockchain

The convergence of DOGE and Coinbase represents a rare intersection between government reform and crypto-led decentralisation. While DOGE was tasked with improving the internal workings of government, Coinbase’s mission extends to the financial system at large—removing inefficiencies, reducing intermediaries, and expanding access to financial tools worldwide.

With Coinbase recently making history as the first crypto firm to enter the S&P 500 index, the company is entering a new phase. Armstrong’s outreach to DOGE veterans signals a deliberate acceleration of Coinbase’s transformation into not just a financial exchange, but a platform for systemic disruption.