President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Bo Hines, a former North Carolina congressional candidate and standout college football player, to a prominent role in shaping the United States’ cryptocurrency policies. The 29-year-old Charlotte native will serve as the executive director of the Presidential Council of Advisors for Digital Assets, referred to by Trump as the “Crypto Council.”
The announcement, made Sunday via a news release and Trump’s Truth Social platform, highlighted Hines’ position alongside Silicon Valley investor David O. Sacks, who will serve as the White House A.I. & Crypto Czar and chair of the Crypto Council. Sacks, a close associate of Elon Musk, has been a vocal supporter of Trump, hosting a high-profile fundraiser in June that brought together cryptocurrency executives and tech investors in San Francisco.
Trump emphasized the significance of the Crypto Council in fostering innovation and growth in the digital assets industry, stating that it would act as a cornerstone for technological advancements in the United States. “Together, they will create an environment where this industry can flourish and remain a cornerstone of our nation’s technological advancement,” Trump said.
Hines’ role will involve working with industry leaders and stakeholders to promote innovation in the digital assets sector. Trump described the council as “a new advisory group composed of luminaries from the crypto industry,” with a mission to guide the administration in building a crypto-friendly framework.
During a July Bitcoin conference in Nashville, Trump pledged to create the Crypto Council, aiming to make cryptocurrency a focal point of his administration. He also promised to establish a U.S. Bitcoin strategic reserve. The announcement sparked competition among prominent U.S. cryptocurrency executives for positions on the advisory council.
In addition to Hines’ appointment, Trump announced other key technology roles, including Michael Kratsios as director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and Lynne Park as executive director of the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology.
“We will unleash scientific breakthroughs, ensure America’s technological dominance, and usher in a Golden Age of American Innovation,” Trump wrote in his announcement.
Hines, who holds degrees from Yale University and Wake Forest University School of Law, transitioned to politics after his football career at N.C. State. Despite unsuccessful bids for Congress in 2021 and 2024, Hines has remained a prominent figure in Republican circles, with his appointment signaling a new chapter in his public career.
The move underscores Trump’s focus on positioning the United States as a global leader in digital assets and technological innovation as he prepares to take office in 2025.
