In a surprising twist of the crypto-political landscape, Patrick Witt has been tapped as President Donald Trump’s new senior adviser on cryptocurrency, stepping into a role vacated by Bo Hines. Witt, a former Yale quarterback and NFL free agent, is tasked with navigating the intricate corridors of Washington politics as the industry clamors for comprehensive regulation and the creation of a federal crypto reserve.
A Familiar Playbook
Witt’s ascent isn’t without its parallels to his predecessor. Both he and Hines share a background that blends athletic prowess with political ambition, having played football at Yale before attempting — and failing — to secure seats in Congress. Witt’s path took him through Harvard Law School and stints at McKinsey & Co., and several roles within the federal government during Trump’s first term, despite his lack of deep crypto expertise.
Miller Whitehouse-Levine, CEO of the Solana Policy Institute, expressed optimism about Witt’s new position, stating, “We’ve had the pleasure of working with Patrick throughout the year and look forward to him continuing to implement policies that will make the United States this global hub of crypto innovation and development.” However, Witt’s agenda remains somewhat of a mystery, as he has yet to articulate his specific plans for the crypto sector.
Legislation and Liaison
One of Witt’s immediate challenges is to pick up where Hines left off. A hefty to-do list awaits, headlined by the need to advance a Senate version of the House-passed Digital Asset Market Clarity Act. This legislation aims to provide much-needed regulatory clarity for the burgeoning crypto market. Hines had also been closely monitoring the prospective Bitcoin Strategic Reserve, a project initiated by an order from Trump earlier this year, which the industry is keenly anticipating. This aligns with recent developments where Trump is set to greenlight crypto in 401(k)s, as detailed in our coverage of the retirement reform push.
The White House did not respond to requests for comment on Witt’s promotion, leaving observers to speculate on how he will steer these significant initiatives. While Witt re-shared Hines’s farewell message to the crypto community, his own vision for the role remains under wraps.
The Road Ahead
Witt’s appointment comes at a time when the U.S. is beginning to take more concrete steps towards crypto regulation. Hines’s recent success in pushing through the first piece of U.S. crypto legislation governing stablecoins marks a pivotal moment, but much work remains to be done. This move could potentially send billions into Bitcoin and Ethereum, as explored in our analysis of Trump’s 401(k) crypto move.
In the coming months, Witt will need to engage with a variety of stakeholders, from policymakers to industry leaders, to ensure the crypto space continues to thrive. His role as the chief industry liaison will be crucial in bridging the gap between the White House and the rapidly evolving digital asset world.
Questions and Uncertainties
Despite Witt’s impressive resume, questions linger about his ability to lead the charge on such a complex and dynamic issue. His lack of a substantial crypto background is a notable contrast to the expectations placed on him. As Congress returns from its summer break, all eyes will be on Witt to see how he handles the pressure and whether he can deliver on the administration’s ambitious crypto agenda.
The crypto community remains cautiously optimistic, aware of the challenges that lie ahead. As Witt steps into this pivotal role, the industry’s future in the United States seems poised for a potentially transformative chapter—one that could redefine the nation’s position in the global crypto landscape.
Only time will tell if Witt can live up to the task, but the stakes couldn’t be higher as the world watches how the U.S. navigates this pivotal moment in digital asset regulation.
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This article is based on: Who Is Patrick Witt, President Trump’s Next Senior Adviser on Crypto?
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Steve Gregory is a lawyer in the United States who specializes in licensing for cryptocurrency companies and products. Steve began his career as an attorney in 2015 but made the switch to working in cryptocurrency full time shortly after joining the original team at Gemini Trust Company, an early cryptocurrency exchange based in New York City. Steve then joined CEX.io and was able to launch their regulated US-based cryptocurrency. Steve then went on to become the CEO at currency.com when he ran for four years and was able to lead currency.com to being fully acquired in 2025.
