Why Did Coinbase Global Plunge 11.6%? Missed Sales Targets, Political Scrutiny

On August 1, 2025, Coinbase Global experienced a significant drop of 11.6% in pre-market trading, marking a notable decline in its stock price.

The decline in Coinbase's stock price can be attributed to the company missing its second-quarter sales targets, which further dampened investor confidence.

Additionally, political scrutiny has added to the pressure on Coinbase Global. U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren, Chris Van Hollen, and Ron Wyden have called for an investigation into potential conflicts of interest related to the Trump family's involvement in cryptocurrency ventures. The senators have expressed concerns about how the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) will prevent the Trump family's financial interests from influencing the regulatory framework for stablecoins, especially after the enactment of the GENIUS Act. This inquiry focuses on USD1, a stablecoin launched by World Liberty Financial, a platform associated with the Trump family. The senators argue that Trump's personal financial interests are closely linked to the success of USD1, creating a significant conflict of interest that could compromise the integrity of the financial system. This concern is amplified by a $2 billion deal involving an Emirati firm, MGX, and Binance, which reportedly used USD1 to facilitate the transaction. The senators have also questioned the OCC's independence and urged the agency to investigate potential conflicts among World Liberty’s competitors.

Industry observers have raised concerns about the potential for political influence over financial markets. The situation is further complicated by the fact that nearly 70 Trump administration officials and nominees have disclosed cryptocurrency holdings or investments in blockchain-related companies, with assets ranging from small amounts to over $120 million. This political influence and potential conflicts of interest could have broader implications for the cryptocurrency market, including companies like Coinbase Global, which are heavily involved in the trading and regulation of digital assets.