Bo Hines, executive director of the White House Crypto Council, said on Saturday he is stepping down from his role to return to the private sector after less than a year in the post.
Hines, appointed by President Donald Trump in December 2024 to lead the administration’s top crypto advisory group, thanked the digital asset community for its “unwavering” support during his tenure.
“Serving in President Trump’s administration and working alongside our brilliant AI & Crypto Czar, David Sacks, has been the honor of a lifetime,” Hines wrote on social media. “Together, we have positioned America as the crypto capital of the world.”
The White House has not yet named a successor, though independent crypto journalist Eleanor Terrett reported that Patrick Witt, the council’s deputy director, is expected to take over.
Advisory Role and Policy Work
Under Hines, the White House Crypto Council published a comprehensive report in July outlining a regulatory action plan for U.S. digital assets. While the council was praised for policy engagement, critics said it underdelivered on a proposed strategic Bitcoin reserve.
President Trump signed an executive order in January establishing a national Bitcoin reserve and a crypto stockpile, directing the Treasury and Commerce Departments to acquire additional BTC only through “budget-neutral” strategies — meaning without increasing the federal budget. The order also banned the sale of the government’s Bitcoin holdings.
Hines advocated creative approaches to grow the reserve, including revaluing U.S. gold holdings — officially priced at $42.22 per troy ounce — closer to their spot market value of about $3,400. A portion of the revaluation gains, he suggested, could be converted to Bitcoin without adding budgetary costs.
Hines’ departure comes as the administration steps up efforts to position the U.S. as a leader in crypto and blockchain adoption. The council has been central to advising on regulation, market infrastructure, and digital asset reserves.
American crypto policy has become an increasingly high-profile issue, with the Trump administration leaning toward a more pro-Bitcoin stance while balancing regulatory oversight.
