As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office, his transition team is reportedly evaluating the creation of a specialized White House position dedicated to overseeing cryptocurrency policy. This potential role would mark the first of its kind at such a high level within the U.S. government, highlighting the growing importance of digital currencies. Cardano founder Charles Hoskinson has proposed who he believes would be an exemplary choice for this groundbreaking position.
Hoskinson Advocates for Brian Armstrong as Crypto Policy Leader
In recent weeks, Charles Hoskinson has voiced his desire to collaborate with the incoming administration to establish a regulatory framework that promotes innovation and growth within the cryptocurrency sector. Despite his active involvement in the crypto space, Hoskinson has made it clear that he does not wish to assume the role of “Crypto Czar” himself. Instead, he has publicly endorsed Brian Armstrong, the CEO of Coinbase, as the most suitable candidate for the role.
Why Brian Armstrong?
Hoskinson articulated his reasoning on the social platform X, stating, “I believe the role should be filled by someone who is neutral, collaborates across protocols, and possesses a profound understanding of the unique nature of cryptocurrency.” He pointed out that Armstrong is a standout choice in the industry due to his leadership at Coinbase, which has become a cornerstone of the crypto market while facing challenges posed by regulatory enforcement.
Hoskinson is confident that Armstrong could foster a collaborative environment by uniting industry stakeholders and encouraging government support for meaningful action, including the passage of new laws. Rather than seeking the position himself, Hoskinson is committed to influencing policy through legislative efforts.
Legislative Focus and “Operation Baseline”
Hoskinson emphasized his focus on legislative advocacy, drawing from his experience in helping pass 31 crypto laws in Wyoming. He stated, “I’m dedicating significant efforts to the House and Senate to ensure legislative measures eliminate current government overreach and pave the way for traditional sectors to engage with crypto.”
To advance this agenda, Hoskinson announced the launch of “Operation Baseline,” an initiative under his company IO Policy. The project aims to conduct a comprehensive survey of the American crypto industry to identify inefficiencies, abuses, and untapped potential. “It’s crucial to convey these insights to the new Crypto Czar and policymakers to establish clear business requirements for effective policy,” Hoskinson explained.
The Urgency of Crypto Policy Reform
Hoskinson stressed the importance of these efforts, noting that “the president’s objective is to position America as the premier destination for starting and operating cryptocurrency and blockchain businesses. As an industry, we must unite to achieve this goal.” He further asserted, “There are no longer any excuses. The time has come to accomplish this so we can focus on transforming the world.”
At the time of writing, Cardano’s ADA was valued at $0.78.