Coinbase, Trump Stablecoin, and Whispers of Conspiracy: What's the Deal?

Rumors are swirling around Coinbase, a Trump-backed stablecoin, and potential market manipulation. Let's break down the claims, counterclaims, and what it all means for the crypto world.

The crypto world is buzzing with a spicy mix of rumors involving Coinbase, a potential Trump-backed stablecoin, and allegations of behind-the-scenes maneuvering. Is there any truth to these claims? Let's dive in.

The Allegations: Coinbase, Trump, and Binance

The central claim, amplified by a retweet from Binance's former CEO Changpeng “CZ” Zhao, suggests that Coinbase was the “anonymous” source behind a Bloomberg report targeting Trump's crypto project, potentially named USD1, and Binance. The theory? Coinbase executives fear a presidential pardon for Zhao and Binance's return to the US market, seeing it as a threat to their market share. According to crypto commentator Matt Wallace, this fear allegedly prompted Coinbase to undermine its competition.

Wallace goes as far as to call this alleged behavior “anti-American!” While CZ retweeted the post, he neither confirmed nor denied the allegations. Both Binance and Coinbase have remained silent, not responding to requests for comment.

The Trump Stablecoin Connection

The Bloomberg report at the heart of this controversy claimed Binance developed the smart contract for USD1, a stablecoin issued by World Liberty Financial, linked to former President Donald Trump. It further alleged that Zhao applied for a presidential pardon shortly after USD1 was used in a $2 billion deal. The report also noted that a large percentage of USD1 tokens are held in Binance wallets, potentially generating significant interest revenue.

CZ vehemently denied the report, calling it a “hit piece (sponsored by a competitor)” filled with “so many factual errors.” He even hinted at potential legal action for defamation.

Coinbase's Moves and Market Position

Amidst these swirling rumors, Coinbase has been making significant moves. The Czech National Bank recently disclosed a new position in Coinbase, adding over $18 million worth of shares. Coinbase also became the first crypto company to join the S&P 500 in May. These developments highlight Coinbase's growing mainstream acceptance and influence.

However, it hasn't been all smooth sailing. Coinbase's total revenue dropped 10% in Q1 2025, and net income plummeted 95%. Despite this, the company continues to expand, acquiring the crypto options trading platform Deribit and the token management platform Liquifi.

My Take: Smoke and Mirrors?

While the allegations against Coinbase are serious, they are, at this point, unproven. It's easy to imagine a scenario where a company might try to undermine a competitor, but the leap to accusing Coinbase of targeting a former president is a big one. Without concrete evidence, these claims remain firmly in the realm of speculation. It’s also worth noting that CZ himself has a vested interest in discrediting reports that paint Binance in a negative light, given his legal troubles and desire for a presidential pardon.

In the wild world of crypto, where fortunes are made and lost in a heartbeat, drama and intrigue are par for the course. Whether these rumors have any basis in reality, one thing is certain: the crypto industry never has a dull moment.

So, buckle up, buttercups! This crypto rollercoaster is far from over.