Tether Leans Into Trump-Team Play With Key Crypto Strategist Hire

Tether, the largest stablecoin issuer by market capitalization, has appointed Bo Hines, the former executive director of President Donald Trump’s Council of Advisers on Digital Assets, as its Chief of Digital Assets and U.S. Strategic Advisor. This move marks a significant step in Tether’s strategy to expand its presence in the U.S. market and deepen its ties with the Trump administration, according to a spokesperson for the company. Hines, who served in the Trump administration for nearly seven months before leaving in August, played a key role in shaping the administration’s crypto policy, including the passage of the Genius Act, a regulatory framework for stablecoins [1].

Hines, a 29-year-old former Yale athlete and political candidate, joined the White House in January 2025 as a key figure in the Trump administration’s digital asset agenda. During his tenure, he worked alongside David Sacks, the administration’s crypto and AI czar, to facilitate discussions among government agencies, industry groups, and lawmakers. Hines oversaw the drafting of the 166-page White House report on digital asset policy and was instrumental in advancing the Genius Act, which aims to provide a regulatory framework for stablecoins. His departure from the White House in August left a void in the administration’s crypto strategy, with reports indicating he had over 50 job offers to consider before selecting Tether [2].

Tether’s decision to appoint Hines signals its intent to navigate the evolving U.S. regulatory landscape more effectively. The stablecoin giant, which has faced scrutiny from U.S. regulators in the past—including a 2021 settlement with the New York Office of the Attorney General—has increasingly aligned itself with Trump-era policies. Hines’ appointment is expected to enhance Tether’s ability to engage with policymakers, particularly in light of recent regulatory developments such as the U.S. Department of Labor’s proposed expansion of 401(k) access to alternative assets, including cryptocurrencies [3].

The appointment also strengthens Tether’s existing political connections. The company has a long-standing relationship with Howard Lutnick, CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald and Trump’s commerce secretary. Tether has invested in Trump-linked ventures such as Rumble and has hired Jeff Miller, a prominent Republican lobbyist. Hines’ prior experience with the Trump administration and his influence in shaping crypto policy are likely to further solidify Tether’s position in the U.S., particularly as it competes with Circle, the issuer of USDC, which recently went public [1].

Industry analysts have noted that Hines’ move reflects a broader trend of government crypto experts transitioning to the private sector. With his deep regulatory knowledge and political ties, Hines is expected to provide Tether with strategic advantages as it seeks to expand its U.S. operations. His role will involve overseeing the company’s compliance strategy, regulatory engagement, and market development efforts. This aligns with Tether’s recent announcement that it is preparing to launch a new U.S.-focused stablecoin, with a name and logo already selected, expected to be revealed in late September [3].

Tether’s leadership in the stablecoin market—with a market cap of approximately $167 billion—positions it as a key player in the global digital asset ecosystem. The company’s expansion into the U.S. under Hines’ guidance is likely to have broader implications for the stablecoin sector, particularly as the Genius Act continues to shape regulatory expectations. With Tether’s increasing alignment with Trump administration policies and its ongoing efforts to strengthen its U.S. presence, the company is poised to play a pivotal role in the future of digital asset regulation and adoption in the country [1].

Source:

[1] Tether hires Trump's top crypto official Bo Hines to help ... (https://fortune.com/crypto/2025/08/19/trump-bo-hines-tether-crypto-white-house-stablecoins/)

[2] Trump's 29-Year-Old Crypto Adviser Bo Hines Exits White ... (https://coinstelegram.com/news/trumps-29-year-old-crypto-adviser-bo-hines-exits-white-house-weighs-multiple-private-sector-offers/)

[3] Crypto Brief - Fin Tech - United States (https://www.mondaq.com/unitedstates/fin-tech/1667224/crypto-brief)