Trump Taps AI & Crypto Czar: Unveiling His Game-Changing Team!
In a move that has industry insiders buzzing, President-elect Donald Trump is shaking things up by selecting fresh faces for key roles in his administration.
Posted December 23, 2024 at 6:08 pm EST.
On a vibrant Sunday, President-elect Trump announced an exciting roster of appointees for several White House advisory roles, each set to collaborate with the newly appointed AI & Crypto Czar, David Sacks. Together, they’re gearing up to launch a tech policy revolution for the new administration. While many of these roles are filled with Trump loyalists who might not be household names in tech circles, their commitment to innovation is undeniable.
One standout appointee is Bo Hines, who will take the helm as executive director of the Presidential Council of Advisers for Digital Assets—dubbed the “Crypto Council.” Although the council’s members remain a secret for now, Trump has labeled them as “luminaries from the Crypto industry,” ensuring a powerhouse team is in place.
“In his pivotal role, Bo will team up with David to ignite innovation and drive growth in the digital assets sector, all while empowering industry leaders with the resources they need to thrive,” Trump elaborated on his social platform, Truth Social. “Together, they are determined to cultivate an environment where the crypto industry can not only survive but truly flourish, solidifying its place as a cornerstone of America’s technological future.”
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This announcement, which spanned two insightful Truth Social posts, also highlighted the appointment of Sriram Krishnan as senior policy advisor for artificial intelligence, a brand-new role within the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. Meanwhile, Michael J.K. Kratsios will step into the role of director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), and Lynne Parker has been named the executive director of the Presidential Council of Advisors for Science and Technology (PCAST)—offices that predate Trump’s first term.
These announcements shed light on David Sacks’ influential position, who has already engaged with members of the House of Representatives and has met with French Hill, the anticipated Chair of the House Financial Services Committee. A source who attended the meeting noted that Hill was impressed by Sacks’ extensive knowledge of crypto and felt that Sacks would play a key role in shaping crypto regulations. Sacks articulated his perspective on Bitcoin’s “value proposition,” emphasizing its limited supply and independence from government backing—similar to the appeal of gold.
Bo Hines, who gave a strong run against Democratic representative Wiley Nickel in North Carolina in 2022, is a dynamic figure at just 29 years old. Before stepping into politics, he was a college football star at North Carolina State and Yale, and he earned a law degree from Wake Forest University.
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While Hines may not be a well-recognized name in crypto policy, his unwavering support for Trump and commitment to the crypto community are unmistakable. His polished, Ivy League background aligns with Trump’s preference for a cabinet that looks sharp on screen, a factor that hasn’t gone unnoticed.
Dan Spuller, Head of Industry Affairs at the Blockchain Association, shared that Hines had visited their headquarters earlier this year and called him a “friend.” Spuller added that Hines was previously there as a congressional candidate, unaware at the time that he would be considered for the Crypto Council. While various crypto advisory groups have had input on key positions like SEC Chair, it’s still uncertain how much consultation will occur for other crypto-related roles.
Hines’ social media activity reflects a strong pro-crypto stance, although recent posts have primarily focused on supporting Trump’s campaign. His Congressional campaign webpage champions decentralized finance (DeFi) as central to his economic vision, stating, “Instead of heavy-handed regulations, a pro-crypto approach will cultivate a vibrant ecosystem that drives socio-economic empowerment. Furthermore, the U.S. should firmly resist adopting central bank digital currencies, safeguarding our financial sovereignty and the essence of decentralization.”