Patrick Witt has officially resigned from his position as executive director of the President’s Council of Advisors for Digital Assets. The move marks the departure of the last remaining in-house crypto advisor in the White House circle. Witt’s resignation leaves the presidential digital asset policy office completely vacant, without any dedicated advisor appointed directly by President Donald Trump.
During his tenure, Witt served as a vocal figure shepherding contentious negotiations over the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act in the US Senate. On X, he frequently voiced his frustration over the slow pace of crypto market regulatory framework negotiations among lawmakers.
Witt’s departure is more than routine staff turnover; it marks the culmination of a gradual emptying of the presidential policy desk.
From Three Officials to Zero
The presidential digital asset policy structure was once staffed by notable figures. In early 2025, the Trump administration created a “crypto czar” position under former PayPal executive David Sacks. That position has been left vacant since Sacks resigned in March 2026. When the White House appointed a new czar to oversee artificial intelligence (AI), the administration stripped the digital asset mandate from the role and never restored it.
Prior to Sacks’ departure, Bo Hines had already stepped down after serving eight months as the first director of the digital asset council following the passage of the GENIUS Act. Hines left his government post to lead Tether’s US branch. Those two resignations left Witt handling the presidential digital asset portfolio alone, until he ultimately followed suit.
Can the Clarity Bill Move Forward Without an Executive Champion?
The timing of Witt’s departure leaves the fate of crypto market regulation in a precarious position. The United States Congress is now entering its final legislative weeks following the November 2026 elections. In this narrow window, the bill requires strong political backing from the executive branch to pass a Senate floor vote.
Throughout the process, Witt served as the primary bridge between the White House and senators in crafting compromise provisions. Without a replacement designated to guide negotiations, digital asset policy lobbying has stalled amidst a crowded congressional wrap-up calendar.
Promises of Priority Without a Named Successor
White House officials confirmed Witt’s departure to CoinDesk, maintaining that the crypto agenda and the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act remain presidential priorities. However, the administration declined to announce who would succeed Witt or when a new appointment would be made.
For an industry awaiting regulatory certainty in Washington, the administration’s commitment now faces an empty room. Assurances that regulation remains a priority do little to reassure the public when every presidential advisory seat sits vacant ahead of a decisive legislative window.
Reported via CoinDesk.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only, not financial advice. Cryptocurrency assets are highly volatile and carry significant risk. Always do your own research (DYOR) and never invest more than you can afford to lose.
