Updated on:12/24/2025 05:05 PM 
Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong has launched an unprecedented recruitment initiative, extending a formal invitation to departing employees of the US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to join the cryptocurrency exchange's team.
In a strategic social media announcement on May 14, Armstrong framed this opportunity as a continuation of public service through private sector innovation, positioning Coinbase as an ideal destination for government professionals seeking to drive large-scale systemic change.
The message links to a dedicated portal titled “Done with DOGE?” where current DOGE employees can expedite their application process and share their experiences with the crypto industry.
Armstrong emphasized that Coinbase recognizes the valuable skills and perspectives that departing DOGE staff bring, particularly their experience in identifying inefficiencies and implementing technological solutions to complex problems.
Established in early 2025 through President Donald Trump’s executive order, DOGE was tasked with revolutionizing federal operations and eliminating bureaucratic inefficiencies across government agencies.
Under the leadership of Elon Musk, the department gained national prominence for its disruptive approach to cost management and tech-driven methodology. The program is currently scheduled to conclude its operations by July 4, 2026.
However, regulatory constraints limit Musk's participation to a maximum of 130 days annually as a “special government employee”, prompting plans to reduce his involvement starting this month. This shift is expected to trigger departures among several DOGE team members.
Armstrong's recruitment initiative arrives amid heightened public discourse surrounding DOGE's impact. The timing follows a widely publicized Fox News interview featuring DOGE staff member Ethan Shaotran, who faced significant backlash at Harvard University for his association with the department.
While the long-term implications of DOGE remain a subject of debate, Armstrong's outreach strategically positions Coinbase as a premier destination for departing government talent—particularly those with expertise in disruption, operational efficiency, and large-scale systems transformation.
This recruitment strategy coincides with Coinbase achieving a historic milestone as the first cryptocurrency exchange to be included in the prestigious S&P 500 index, signaling digital assets' growing integration into traditional financial markets.
