WASHINGTON, D.C. — Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong announced that the company plans to hire 1,000 new employees in the United States this year, citing the recent policy momentum under President Donald Trump’s second term as a key factor in the decision.
Speaking to CoinDesk after attending the White House’s first crypto summit on Friday, Armstrong highlighted the shift in regulatory sentiment and industry support as a major confidence booster for expanding operations in the U.S.
“It’s only been, what, 50 days or something like that, and it’s already created enough of a tailwind that we feel more confident in investing in the United States and growing our business here,” Armstrong said.
Regulatory Shift Boosts Confidence
The announcement follows a significant development in Coinbase’s legal battle with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which recently dropped its high-profile enforcement case against the exchange. The dispute, which centered on the regulatory classification of digital assets, had been a major burden on Coinbase. With the matter now shifting to Congress for resolution, Armstrong believes the company can focus on growth rather than legal battles.
Crypto Summit and the Bitcoin Reserve Initiative
Armstrong was among industry leaders, regulators, and senior Republican lawmakers attending the White House summit on digital assets. A major talking point at the meeting was Trump’s recent executive order to establish a U.S. Bitcoin reserve—an initiative that Armstrong fully supports.
“You can’t really have a better holder of this asset than the United States government,” Armstrong stated. “It’s becoming a core piece of the financial system, and I think it’s going to be a part of every diversified portfolio over time.”
The summit signaled a commitment from the Trump administration to position the U.S. as the global leader in crypto adoption and regulation. Bo Hines, Executive Director of the President’s Working Group on Digital Assets, emphasized the administration’s dedication to fulfilling that goal.
“The president made a promise that he’s going to make this country the crypto capital of the planet, and we’re well on our way in delivering that promise,” Hines said.
Coinbase’s Role in Pro-Crypto Advocacy
Beyond business expansion, Coinbase has been an active player in shaping the political landscape for crypto. The exchange played a key role in the 2024 election cycle, contributing tens of millions of dollars to the Fairshake super PAC, which backed pro-crypto candidates. Armstrong reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting industry-friendly policymakers moving forward.
“[Fairshake] did an incredible job in boosting pro-crypto candidates,” Armstrong noted, signaling continued financial support for the initiative.
The Road Ahead
While the Bitcoin reserve currently consists of seized assets rather than newly purchased holdings, the Treasury and Commerce departments have been tasked with exploring ways to acquire Bitcoin without using taxpayer funds. According to Hines, both departments are eager to develop strategies for Bitcoin accumulation, further integrating digital assets into the national financial framework.
With Armstrong’s hiring announcement, Coinbase is doubling down on its commitment to expanding in the U.S. as regulatory uncertainty clears. As policy advancements continue, the exchange is poised to strengthen its position as a leading force in the crypto industry, contributing to the broader vision of making the U.S. a dominant player in the digital asset space.
