The Rush for Influence: How Trump is Redrawing American Crypto Politics

The creation of the Presidential Advisory Council on Digital Assets marks a major turning point. Trump has just appointed Bo Hines, 29, to head this new structure — a choice that speaks volumes about the priorities of the incoming administration.

A political novice becomes a Gatekeeper of the crypto industry

Hines is not a specialist in digital assets. A former college football player and unsuccessful candidate in the ( North Carolina congressional elections in 2022 and 2024), he represents more of a rallying figure for pro-crypto young voters. His chaotic political background — supporting Trump in 2022, then dropping out during his second attempt — suggests a nomination that is more strategic than technical.

Remember: Hines received campaign funds related to FTX ( via Ryan Salame, currently in prison), a detail that speaks volumes about the financial connections of the time.

The True Power: David Sacks Will Orchestrate the Partition

The true architect remains David Sacks, Trump's “crypto czar.” Hines will work under his direction. Sacks leads two commissions: one for AI, one for cryptocurrencies. He will set the course.

The battle for the seats is raging behind the scenes

Meanwhile, the crypto industry is frantically mobilizing. Bloomberg reports that the board structure remains uncertain: a small committee of (10 influential CEOs, or a large symbolic group of )100 members?

The difference? A radically different political power.

Coinbase, Circle, Paradigm, Andreessen Horowitz, Ripple, Kraken — all are headquartered at Mar-a-Lago. Kris Marszalek (Crypto.com) has already had his meeting. Justin Sun invested (millions in World Liberty Financial. Campaign checks are flying low.

The real stakes of the council

Beyond prestige, the council will have concrete responsibilities:

• Coordinate digital asset policies
• Develop crypto legislation with Congress
• Build national Bitcoin reserves
• Negotiate with the SEC, the CFTC, and the Treasury

The official announcement of the members is scheduled for January, just after Trump signs the executive order for creation.

The signal to the markets

This organized architecture means one thing: crypto is no longer marginal in Washington. But beware — this is not guaranteed favorable regulation. It's rather access to decision-making power, which explains the intensity of lobbying.

The real test? When Trump has to choose between the interests of traditional Wall Street and those of crypto. This commission will be at the heart of this tension.