Patrick Witt is leaving the Trump administration to return to the private sector, according to his announcement last week. His departure creates a leadership gap in the White House’s cryptocurrency policy team, with no successor publicly identified so far.

Witt served as executive director of the President’s Council of Advisors for Digital Assets, helping oversee the administration’s work on crypto-related issues. His exit follows the earlier departures of Harry Jung and Bo Hines, adding to uncertainty over who will steer the White House’s digital asset agenda.

Who will take charge of White House crypto policy?

The White House currently has no publicly named senior official leading its cryptocurrency efforts. Although the administration continues to work on digital asset rules, the absence of a designated adviser raises questions about how its policy priorities will be coordinated.

The issue could become particularly important when the next Congress takes office in 2027, as the White House may need a key liaison to help advance cryptocurrency legislation.

Crypto legislation remains on the agenda

A White House official told CoinDesk that President Donald Trump’s administration remains focused on cryptocurrency and the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act. However, the departures of several advisers have left questions about how that commitment will translate into policy.

The administration could face a complicated legislative environment next year. Crypto-related tax proposals may be considered before broader market structure legislation, while a Democratic takeover of the House of Representatives could make negotiations more difficult.

Federal regulatory work is also continuing. The Securities and Exchange Commission, Commodity Futures Trading Commission, Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and Treasury Department are among the agencies involved in shaping digital asset policy.

CoinDesk’s Jesse Hamilton recently explored the apparent vacancy in the White House’s crypto advisory structure, examining what Witt’s departure could mean for the administration’s plans.

This week in Washington

No relevant congressional hearings are scheduled for the week.

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