Trump Economic Adviser’s Coinbase Stake Raises Fresh Ethics Questions

Kevin Hassett, head of the National Economic Council in Trump’s second term, has revealed a multi-million-dollar investment in crypto exchange Coinbase—prompting concerns over potential conflicts of interest in Washington.

A newly surfaced government ethics draft shows Hassett holds between $1 million and $5 million in Coinbase shares. The investment is linked to his prior work on the company’s advisory board, which included several prominent Trump allies.

Before his return to the White House in early 2025, Hassett earned $1.5 million from various sources, including roles at Stanford’s Hoover Institution and the Milken Foundation. He also collected nearly half a million dollars in speaking fees from financial firms like Goldman Sachs and Citigroup, and received $50,001 from Coinbase for his advisory work.

Unlike Senate-confirmed cabinet members, senior White House aides like Hassett aren’t required to divest assets or submit detailed ethics plans. There’s currently no confirmation he intends to offload his Coinbase holdings—despite overseeing crypto policy from the highest levels of government.

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Soon after reassuming office, Trump signed an executive order creating a digital asset working group led by Hassett. The group’s mission is to shape crypto regulations that could potentially affect companies like Coinbase.

The release of financial disclosures has been slower than in Trump’s first term. Meanwhile, the Office of Government Ethics has seen major upheaval—Trump ousted its director in February and appointed Jamieson Greer as acting head, raising concerns about weakened checks and balances.

Hassett’s crypto ties follow a growing pattern among Trump appointees. Brian Quintenz, nominated to lead the CFTC, recently reported $3.4 million in assets linked to crypto and prediction markets. He has pledged to divest if confirmed.

As digital assets become more embedded in federal policy, the overlap between personal investments and public responsibility is becoming harder to ignore.

Alexander Stefanov

With over 8 years of experience in the cryptocurrency and blockchain industry, Alexander is a seasoned content creator and market analyst dedicated to making digital assets more accessible and understandable. He specializes in breaking down complex crypto trends, analyzing market movements, and producing insightful content aimed at educating both newcomers and seasoned investors. Alexander has built a reputation for delivering timely and accurate analysis, while keeping a close eye on regulatory developments, emerging technologies, and macroeconomic trends that shape the future of digital finance. His work is rooted in a passion for innovation and a firm belief that widespread education is key to accelerating global crypto adoption.