Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong has extended an invitation to disillusioned staff from Elon Musk’s DOGE task force to join the exchange, following a viral Fox News clip. In a post on May 13, Armstrong announced an accelerated interview process for ex-DOGE employees looking for their next mission after serving their country.
“This is an open call for any @DOGE staff,” Armstrong stated in response to a Fox News video where a DOGE employee shared the challenges faced while working on the controversial initiative.
“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 continued. “We’ve set up an accelerated interview/hiring process in recognition of your proof-of-work.”
In the Fox News clip, Ethan Shaotran, a reported DOGE staffer, revealed the social setbacks he experienced while working for Elon Musk’s DOGE project. Shaotran mentioned dropping out of Harvard to serve his country and expressed disappointment at losing friendships due to his involvement in the project.
DOGE, established in January 2025 under U.S. President Donald Trump, aims to reduce federal regulations and government spending. However, Musk’s leadership has come under scrutiny, with critics arguing that the mass layoffs and resignations within DOGE are detrimental to the government’s stability.
Reports indicate that DOGE has only cut $160 billion from the federal budget, falling short of Musk’s initial promise of a $2 trillion reduction. Musk, a vocal supporter of the crypto sector, has faced backlash for his role as a special government employee, leading to attacks on Tesla vehicles, dealerships, and charging stations.
Despite recent stock market gains, Tesla reported a significant decline in net profits in the first quarter of 2025, with a drop of over 71%. Musk is expected to gradually reduce his involvement in the White House as he transitions back to managing Tesla.
Coinbase’s initiative to fast-track ex-DOGE staff amid the backlash against Musk’s deregulation efforts highlights the company’s commitment to attracting top talent in the cryptocurrency space. The move aims to provide former DOGE employees with new opportunities to contribute to the development of a more efficient financial system.