Bo Hines Exits White House Crypto Council, Patrick Witt Steps In as New Head

Bo Hines, Executive Director of the White House’s Presidential Council of Advisers for Digital Assets, has stepped down and will return to the private sector. Hines, who joined the council in December 2024, played a key role in shaping U.S. digital asset policy, including co-drafting a Senate cryptocurrency bill and advocating for the idea of a U.S. Bitcoin reserve. He indicated via X that he will continue to serve in an advisory capacity for AI-related initiatives under David Sacks, the administration’s AI and crypto czar [1].

Patrick Witt, the council’s deputy director and a former Pentagon technology official, is set to take over as Executive Director. Witt brings experience in government policy and national security but has no direct background in the crypto industry. His prior work at the Department of Defense, where he managed technology investments through the Office of Strategic Capital, is expected to bring a strategic perspective to the council’s efforts [2].

Hines and Witt share a personal connection through their college football backgrounds, which may facilitate a smooth transition. Hines, a former college football player and crypto investor, and Witt, a former quarterback at Yale and ex-New Orleans Saints player, may use their shared experiences to maintain the council’s operational focus and momentum [4].

The leadership change has not triggered any immediate regulatory actions or market movements. The White House has not issued a public statement on the transition, and no significant policy shifts have been observed in the crypto or AI sectors. Analysts note that the change reflects a strategic realignment rather than a pivot in the administration’s broader approach to digital assets [3].

While Hines departs to pursue private-sector opportunities, the White House continues to integrate digital asset and AI strategies under Sacks’ leadership. Witt’s tenure is expected to emphasize regulatory alignment with technological progress, particularly in areas such as taxation and international cooperation [3].

The transition underscores the evolving landscape of digital asset governance within the U.S. executive branch. As Witt assumes control, the council remains a critical interface between the government and the crypto industry, shaping the regulatory environment as the sector continues to develop [4].

Sources:

[1] Cointelegraph - [https://cointelegraph.com/news/bo-hines-director-white-house-crypto-group-steps-down](https://cointelegraph.com/news/bo-hines-director-white-house-crypto-group-steps-down)

[2] Mitrade - [https://www.mitrade.com/insights/news/live-news/article-3-1026733-20250810](https://www.mitrade.com/insights/news/live-news/article-3-1026733-20250810)

[3] The Block - [https://www.theblock.co/post/366234/white-house-crypto-council-head-bo-hines-to-step-down-return-to-private-sector-report](https://www.theblock.co/post/366234/white-house-crypto-council-head-bo-hines-to-step-down-return-to-private-sector-report)

[4] Cryptopolitan - [https://www.cryptopolitan.com/executive-director-crypto-council-leaves/](https://www.cryptopolitan.com/executive-director-crypto-council-leaves/)