Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong Perfect For Crypto Czar Role—Charles Hoskinson

Key Takeaways

• Charles Hoskinson has endorsed Brian Armstrong as the ideal candidate for the “crypto czar” role.
• Hoskinson highlighted Armstrong’s neutrality and ability to unite the crypto community.
• Discussions about a crypto czar follow reports of a potential White House committee dedicated to crypto policy.

Cardano founder Charles Hoskinson has thrown his weight behind Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong as the best choice for a potential “crypto czar” position in the Trump administration.

The informal title of “czar” in the U.S. typically refers to high-ranking executive officials tasked with overseeing specific policy domains.

Hoskinson’s endorsement comes amid speculation that President-elect Donald Trump may establish a dedicated crypto committee to shape the nation’s policy on digital assets.

Armstrong’s Broad Appeal

The Input-Output CEO praised Armstrong’s leadership and neutrality, emphasizing his potential to unite the often fragmented crypto community.

Armstrong, he said, has the qualities necessary to guide a balanced and effective crypto policy while addressing the regulatory missteps of the Biden administration.

“There is only one candidate that I think stands out in our industry for this role, and that’s Brian Armstrong,” Hoskinson said in a post on X.

“Coinbase has grown into one of the pillars of crypto and has had to endure the unfair tactics of a government committed to regulation through enforcement.”

Armstrong’s leadership of Coinbase—a company that has weathered regulatory challenges and grown into one of the most prominent crypto firms in the U.S.—positions him as a figure capable of building a “broad tent coalition,” Hoskinson added.

Hoskinson’s endorsement has sparked a lively debate within the crypto community. While many applauded the proposal , others floated alternative names, including the Winklevoss twins, or suggested a multi-leader framework.

The conversation underscores the high stakes of shaping U.S. crypto policy as the industry seeks clarity and growth under a new administration.

Hoskinson’s Role in Shaping Crypto Policy

Hoskinson has been a vocal advocate for pro-crypto policies in the wake of Trump’s election victory, making multiple trips to Washington, D.C., to engage with lawmakers and members of Trump’s transition team.

In a recent interview, he outlined the importance of the crypto czar role, questioning whether it would be a formal administrative position or an advisory role operating outside the government.

Based on his discussions, Hoskinson noted that while legislative intentions for crypto are clear, the structure and leadership of the proposed committee remain uncertain.

“I’m flying to D.C. today to begin formally meeting and advising several lawmakers,” Hoskinson wrote in a recent X post.

He also announced Operation Baseline, an initiative by IO Policy aimed at identifying inefficiencies, abuses, and missed opportunities in the American cryptocurrency industry.

Crypto Momentum Builds

Trump’s victory in the 2024 election, alongside his pro-crypto appointments in key administrative roles, has energized the industry.

Hoskinson’s efforts align with a broader movement among stakeholders to influence crypto policy as the U.S. prepares for a significant shift in regulatory direction.

In addition to Hoskinson’s advocacy, reports suggest that President-elect Trump is set to meet with Brian Armstrong to discuss potential candidates for the SEC chair position.

The 2024 elections underscored the growing political influence of the crypto sector, with leading firms contributing hundreds of millions of dollars to support pro-crypto candidates.

Their efforts paid off, as they secured over 270 pro-crypto members in the House of Representatives and nearly a dozen in the Senate.

As the industry awaits the next steps in Trump’s crypto agenda, stakeholders are positioning themselves to ensure a regulatory framework that fosters growth while addressing past missteps.