White House Crypto Policy Office Left Vacant After Adviser Departure

White House crypto adviser Patrick Witt departs

Patrick Witt, the last named crypto adviser in President Donald Trump’s White House, has left his position. This departure leaves the digital assets office vacant and creates uncertainty regarding the administration's specific goals for the industry. Crypto refers to digital assets like Bitcoin that use blockchain technology.

A White House official confirmed the exit on Thursday, stating that Witt’s work was appreciated. However, the administration has not yet named a replacement to lead its in-house crypto policy initiatives.

Important facts about the leadership change

• Patrick Witt was the final adviser managing the digital assets office before his departure.
• A recent appointment for a new artificial intelligence (AI) czar did not include crypto in the job description, although it was part of the role previously.
• A White House official stated that crypto remains a priority for the president despite the vacancy.
• The administration continues to manage crypto-related matters through agencies like the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), a government body that regulates financial markets.

The administration's shift in policy focus

When President Trump returned to office in 2025, he appointed David Sacks as a specialist for both AI and crypto. He also created the President’s Council of Advisors for Digital Assets. Bo Hines served as the first director of this council and frequently met with industry insiders.

The council's work previously led to legislative progress, including the passage of the Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. act. Since then, the dedicated crypto policy team has remained small, and Witt's departure marks the end of the currently named leadership for that specific office.

Questions remain over future crypto leadership

It is currently unclear who will take over the day-to-day management of digital asset policy at the White House. While a staff of policy advisers remains, no new individual has been publicly assigned to lead the president's specific crypto projects.

Current timing for crypto legislation

The vacancy appears at a time when some members of Congress believe new laws for the crypto industry could be addressed soon. There is reported discussion on Capitol Hill that legislative action could occur during the final weeks of the congressional session following the November elections.

Sources

• CoinDesk

Read also: Binance.US Seeks $1 Billion Valuation in Reported $100 Million Funding Round

Read also: Tether paid $6.3 million to firm co‑owned by Bo Hines during White House tenure