White House Digital-Asset Adviser Patrick Witt to Take Leave for Military Training Later This Month

The White House digital-asset adviser who has led negotiations on the CLARITY Act will step away later this month for military training.

Cointelegraph reported July 14 that Patrick Witt, executive director of the President’s Council of Advisers for Digital Assets, will finish his duties on July 24 and enter training with the Georgia Army National Guard Judge Advocate General’s Corps. The training will last several months and will qualify Witt as a National Guard legal officer.

"Witt has always been upfront with all stakeholders that he would be taking military leave at the end of this month," Cody Carbone, chief executive officer of the Digital Chamber, said.

Witt’s absence is drawing attention because it coincides with the legislative timetable for the CLARITY Act. The bill would establish the first comprehensive regulatory framework for the US digital-asset market, and its fate before the Senate’s Aug. 8 recess is viewed as a critical turning point. Witt has been a key figure in coordinating negotiations between the crypto industry and banks over issues including stablecoin revenue sharing and ethics provisions.

During his absence, Harry Jung, deputy director of the President’s Council of Advisers for Digital Assets, will serve in an acting capacity. Witt, however, is expected to remain involved in the legislative process during training.