Crypto Adviser Bo Hines Move to AI Role Sparks Concern Over White House Policy Shift

The Executive Director of the White House Crypto Council, Bo Hines, is set to step down from his position. This follows the release of the White House crypto policy, which he worked on as part of the Digital Assets Working Group.

Bo Hines To Step Down From White House Crypto Council Role

In an X post, journalist Eleanor Terrett revealed that the Executive Director of the White House Crypto Council is stepping down to return to the private sector. She also stated that he will remain on as a special government employee to assist with AI initiatives alongside David Sacks, the White House Crypto AI and Crypto Czar.

Bo Hines had previously worked as a partner at a growth equity firm before taking up his current role under the Trump administration. Terrett didn’t mention what position he will be taking up in the private sector once he leaves his White House role. Meanwhile, Deputy Executive Director Patrick Witt will step into the role of Executive Director.

Notably, his departure follows the release of the White House crypto policy report. The Executive Director, alongside the other members of the Working Group, had made recommendations on what regulators and Congress should do to promote the crypto industry.

These recommendations bordered on the crypto market structure bill, token classification, tax rules, and banking regulations for crypto firms. Notably, the report failed to mention specifics on the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve.

However, Bo Hines confirmed in an interview that the U.S. government is still actively working towards establishing the Bitcoin Reserve. The government plans to use its 198,022 BTC holdings to create this reserve.

Statement on His Departure

Bo Hines released a statement on his departure from the White House Crypto Council role. He stated that serving in President Trump’s administration and working alongside David Sacks has been the honor of a lifetime.

Furthermore, he mentioned that they have positioned America as the crypto capital of the world. Hines remarked that he is deeply grateful to the industry for its unwavering support.

He also showed his love for the crypto community and the work he has done together with the community. Ahead of his return to the private sector, Bo Hines said that he is looking forward to continuing his support for the crypto ecosystem as it thrives in the U.S.

In an X post, MoonPay President Keith Grossman commended Hines for his contributions. He stated that the country owes a debt of gratitude to the White House Crypto Adviser. Grossman further remarked that he did a “phenomenal job” navigating a difficult transition, as the country moved from an anti-crypto administration to a pro-crypto one.

Is This A Shift in Focus from Crypto to AI?

Bo Hines’ departure from his crypto role under the Trump administration to act as an AI adviser has again led to criticisms of the Trump administration. The president has developed a knack for simply shuffling individuals between roles in his administration.

As CoinGape reported, the U.S. president removed Billy Long as the IRS Commissioner as part of his plans to nominate him as an Ambassador. Meanwhile, the president appointed U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent as the acting Commissioner.

Another recent case is the nomination of Stephen Miran to the Fed Board to replace Adriana Kugler. Miran was already serving as the Chair of the Council of Economic Advisers (CEA) before the nomination.