Coinbase has deepened its connection to former U.S. President Donald Trump by appointing his 2024 co-campaign manager, Chris LaCivita, to its Global Advisory Council. The cryptocurrency exchange announced on January 29 that LaCivita would join the council alongside former U.S. Senator Kyrsten Sinema, former New York Fed President Bill Dudley, and former Colombian Ambassador to the U.S. Luis Alberto Moreno.
LaCivita, known for his strong ties to the Republican National Committee, has been vocal about the need for a more crypto-friendly regulatory environment. He criticized the previous administration’s approach, echoing Trump’s stance on positioning the U.S. as a leader in digital assets.
Coinbase established its advisory council in May 2023 to navigate the increasingly complex global crypto landscape. The council has included several high-profile figures, such as former Senator Pat Toomey. The move to include LaCivita signals Coinbase’s continued push for favorable regulatory conditions under Trump’s presidency.
Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong reportedly met with Trump in November after the U.S. election to discuss personnel appointments. The exchange previously donated $1 million to Trump’s inauguration fund and has publicly committed to supporting the administration’s transition from the Biden presidency.
In 2020, Armstrong emphasized that Coinbase would not endorse political causes or candidates unrelated to its core mission. However, following a 2023 Wells notice from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which led to a civil lawsuit, the company launched efforts to influence U.S. congressional elections. Coinbase contributed $45 million toward electing pro-crypto candidates in 2024.
With Trump’s return to office, some crypto industry executives speculate that SEC enforcement actions against firms like Coinbase could be reconsidered. A federal judge recently ordered Coinbase’s case stayed pending a Second Circuit Court of Appeals decision that could potentially reverse an earlier ruling against the exchange.