State of Crypto: White House Crypto Chief Steps Down

Patrick Witt, the White House official responsible for advising on digital asset policy, is leaving the Trump administration to return to the private sector. He announced his departure last week, leaving the White House without a publicly named crypto policy leader or an announced replacement.

Witt held the position of executive director of the President’s Council of Advisors for Digital Assets. His exit, following the earlier departures of Harry Jung and Bo Hines, has raised questions about the administration’s plans for coordinating cryptocurrency policy.

White House crypto leadership in question

The administration continues to pursue digital asset regulations and other policy initiatives, but the lack of a publicly identified senior crypto adviser leaves uncertainty over who will oversee those efforts.

Leadership could become especially important when a new Congress begins its term next year. The White House may need a dedicated official to work with lawmakers as it attempts to move cryptocurrency legislation forward.

Digital asset policy remains a priority

A White House official told CoinDesk that President Donald Trump’s administration remains committed to cryptocurrency policy and the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act. However, the departure of several advisers has prompted questions about how the administration will maintain momentum.

The 2027 legislative agenda could present additional hurdles. Lawmakers may consider crypto-related tax proposals before taking up broader market structure legislation. If Democrats win control of the House of Representatives in the midterm elections, passing legislation could become more challenging for the administration.

Regulatory initiatives are also continuing at several federal agencies, including the Securities and Exchange Commission, Commodity Futures Trading Commission and Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, alongside the Treasury Department.

CoinDesk’s Jesse Hamilton recently examined the apparent vacancy in the White House’s crypto advisory team and the uncertainty surrounding the administration’s next steps on digital asset policy.

Washington’s schedule this week

No relevant congressional hearings are scheduled for this week.

Readers can submit questions and feedback to nik@coindesk.com, contact the author on Bluesky at @nikhileshde.bsky.social or join the conversation on Telegram.