Donald Trump has announced the appointment of Bo Hines, a Charlotte native and former Republican congressional candidate from North Carolina, to a key position in shaping cryptocurrency policy under his administration. Hines, a 29-year-old former college football standout, will serve as the executive director of the Presidential Council of Advisors for Digital Assets, informally referred to as the “Crypto Council.”
The announcement, shared via a press release and Trump’s Truth Social platform, highlighted several new appointments related to technology. Among them was David O. Sacks, a prominent Silicon Valley investor and close associate of Elon Musk, who will chair the Crypto Council as the White House A.I. & Crypto Czar. Sacks has been a vocal supporter of Trump and previously hosted a high-profile fundraiser in June that drew cryptocurrency executives and tech investors from across the nation.
Hines’ role on the council will involve promoting innovation in the digital asset industry while supporting leaders in the field. Trump emphasized the council’s importance, describing it as a distinguished group of experts from the cryptocurrency sector. According to him, this new advisory body will be instrumental in fostering an environment where the industry can thrive and continue to be a pillar of American technological advancement.
This move aligns with Trump’s commitment to fostering a “crypto-friendly” administration. During a bitcoin conference in Nashville last July, he pledged to create a council dedicated to supporting the cryptocurrency industry. His plans drew significant attention, with leading figures in the U.S. crypto industry competing for roles within the newly formed advisory group. Trump has also expressed intentions to establish a U.S. bitcoin strategic reserve, further underscoring his administration’s focus on integrating digital assets into the broader economic landscape.
Hines, a Yale University graduate with a law degree from Wake Forest University, transitioned into politics after a successful college football career at N.C. State. In 2021, he launched his first political campaign, initially aiming to challenge GOP veteran Rep. Virginia Foxx. However, his focus shifted to North Carolina’s 13th Congressional District when Rep. Ted Budd announced his retirement. Despite his efforts, Hines lost the race to Democrat Wiley Nickel.
Earlier this year, Hines participated in the Republican primary for North Carolina’s 6th Congressional District but was again unsuccessful, losing to Addison McDowell, who had Trump’s endorsement.
Trump’s broader appointments also reflect his emphasis on maintaining American leadership in technology and science. In addition to Hines, Michael Kratsios was named director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), and Lynne Park was appointed executive director of the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST).
Trump outlined his vision for these initiatives, stating that his administration would spearhead scientific breakthroughs and secure America’s global dominance in technology. He described this effort as the beginning of a transformative era of innovation that would solidify the United States as a leader in technological advancement.
By appointing figures like Hines and Sacks to key roles, Trump seeks to integrate cryptocurrency into the national economic strategy and create a regulatory environment that encourages growth and innovation in the digital asset space. Hines’ combination of athletic discipline, legal expertise, and political experience positions him to contribute meaningfully to these ambitious goals.