Original Author: Zhou Zhou, Foresight News
Following the "Silicon Valley Eight Traitors," we have Trump's "Eight Generals of the White House." The former initiated an era of technological innovation in the United States, while the latter is currently making waves in the crypto industry.
Unlike the "strict regulation" style of the Biden administration, the "crypto-friendly" atmosphere of the Trump era is sweeping through various corners of American politics and business. The "crypto advisory team" that Trump has assembled consists of a group of prominent government officials who are staunch supporters of cryptocurrency, some of whom can even be described as radical.
This is also related to the backgrounds of the "crypto advisory team" members themselves; they are either well-known members of the PayPal mafia in Silicon Valley or the most outspoken crypto supporters within the SEC and CFTC.
Trump's own "achievements" and "influence" in cryptocurrency are traceable. In the four months from November 2024 to now, he has led three major market movements. In November 2024, a month after Trump won the election, the crypto market, including altcoins, surged for a full month; on January 18, 2025 (just two days before Trump officially took over the presidency), he announced the issuance of a memecoin—Trump, which reached a market cap of $80 billion in three days, draining the entire crypto market. On that day, all cryptocurrencies except Trump plummeted, and shortly after, Trump's wife also issued a memecoin, marking a key turning point in the crypto market's decline.
By March 2 of this month, Trump took action again, announcing the inclusion of five cryptocurrencies—BTC, ETH, Sol, ADA, and XRP—into the national reserves. Within a day, cryptocurrencies like BTC surged again, ending a week of continuous decline. After the news hype subsided, the crypto market cooled off once more. It can be said that almost every time the Trump team releases news, it creates a noticeable impact on the crypto market.
The "crypto advisors" behind Trump are undoubtedly experts in cryptocurrency. They not only hold high positions and serve as top decision-makers in various important roles across the U.S. but also have a very clear and even radical attitude towards cryptocurrency. It is foreseeable that they will continue to have a profound impact on the development of the entire crypto industry in 2025 and even in the next four years.
On this occasion, I have compiled a list of eight key figures around Trump who are currently and will continue to exert direct and significant influence on the cryptocurrency industry. They are crypto czar David Sacks, current SEC acting chair Mark T. Uyeda, SEC chair Paul Atkins, crypto mom Hester Peirce, current CFTC chair Brian Quintenz, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and Vice President JD Vance.
Crypto Czar David Sacks: Bitcoin Has the Potential to Become the Next Generation of the Internet
David Sacks is a key promoter of the first White House crypto summit scheduled for March 7.
David Sacks is one of the most critical figures in Trump's crypto advisory team. On January 23, 2025, Trump signed an executive order establishing the "Presidential Digital Asset Market Working Group," which is led by David Sacks.
On December 5, 2024, Trump announced on his Truth Social platform that David Sacks would serve as the "White House AI and Cryptocurrency Czar." Trump stated in the announcement that David Sacks would "guide the government's policies on artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency" and "commit to making the U.S. a global leader in these two fields."
David Sacks with Trump
The crypto czar is a newly established position by Trump to promote the development of cryptocurrency. This role is responsible for coordinating the federal government's regulatory policies on cryptocurrency, holding highly concentrated power to quickly liaise with the SEC, Treasury Department, Commerce Department, and other agencies to advance the crypto agenda.
David Sacks is a visionary investor and entrepreneur. As early as 2013, he expressed optimism about Bitcoin, stating on social media: "Bitcoin has the potential to become the next internet—currency internet. I'm buying in." He began purchasing Bitcoin in 2012 and has stated on multiple occasions that Bitcoin's transformative nature lies in its potential as a "non-sovereign currency." He believes Bitcoin does not rely on the government but is supported by mathematics and cryptographic technology, providing a financial system independent of government control.
David Sacks is not only a Silicon Valley venture capitalist but also one of the founding team members of PayPal, closely associated with Elon Musk and Peter Thiel, all part of the "PayPal mafia." David Sacks also worked closely with Musk during Musk's acquisition of Twitter in 2022.
In 2017, David Sacks founded the venture capital firm Craft Ventures and invested heavily in cryptocurrency and AI startups, participating in early investments in crypto companies like dydx and Lightning Labs.
Current SEC Acting Chair Mark T. Uyeda: The War on Crypto Must End
"The war on crypto must end. We need safe harbors and regulatory sandboxes to allow innovation to thrive," Uyeda stated during an interview with Stuart Varney on November 23, 2024.
Uyeda is the current acting chair of the SEC, known for his friendly attitude towards cryptocurrency.
Previously, he had long opposed the SEC's approach under former SEC chair Gary Gensler, which relied on enforcement actions rather than clear rules to regulate the crypto industry, believing this method had a disastrous impact on industry development. He also opposed the SEC's rejection of Coinbase's rulemaking request alongside Peirce, arguing that the SEC should actively respond to industry needs.
Left: Former SEC Chair Gary Gensler, Right: Current SEC Acting Chair Mark T. Uyeda
After taking office as SEC acting chair, Uyeda quickly took action, announcing the establishment of a new "Crypto Task Force" on January 21, 2025, led by SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce, aimed at creating a comprehensive and clear regulatory framework for crypto assets.
Upon taking office, Uyeda immediately nominated another crypto-friendly former SEC commissioner, Paul Atkins, as the permanent SEC chair (though it requires Senate confirmation).
SEC Chair Paul Atkins: Digital Assets Are Key Innovations to Make America Great Again
Both crypto mom Hester Peirce and current SEC acting chair Mark T. Uyeda previously served as lawyers on the private team of then-SEC Commissioner Paul Atkins and have maintained long-term relationships with him.
Paul Atkins was appointed by Trump as SEC chair (acting), but still requires final confirmation from the Senate. After being nominated by Trump as the permanent SEC chair in January 2025, he stated: "Digital assets are key innovations to make America great again. The SEC's role is to support vibrant and innovative capital markets, not to stifle new technologies with outdated frameworks."
Atkins is widely regarded as a staunch supporter of cryptocurrency, having garnered broad support from the crypto community. For instance, Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse and Gemini exchange's Cameron Winklevoss have publicly praised his nomination, believing it will bring "common-sense regulation" to digital assets.
Atkins is also the current CEO of Patomak Global Partners, a consulting firm that provides services to the financial and cryptocurrency industries.
Atkins will work alongside other pro-crypto financial officials from Trump’s administration, such as Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, to form a pro-crypto policy team.
Crypto Mom Hester Peirce: DeFi Is a Testing Ground for Financial Democratization
During Biden's presidency, Hester Peirce was the most supportive voice for cryptocurrency innovation within the SEC. She stated: "DeFi is a testing ground for financial democratization."
As early as 2018, she expressed: "We may be entering a new era where all transactions in financial markets are recorded on the blockchain… We should welcome this possibility rather than try to eliminate it."
Now, Hester Peirce has also become a key female figure in Trump's advisory team, known for her open attitude towards cryptocurrency and blockchain technology.
Peirce was appointed as an SEC commissioner in 2018 and has repeatedly expressed support for cryptocurrency innovation during her tenure.
In 2018, during the dissent against the rejection of the Winklevoss Bitcoin ETF, she stated: "The SEC's reasons for rejecting the Bitcoin ETF are unfounded; we have deprived investors of their choices without evidence that the market would be harmed." She earned the title "Crypto Mom" in the crypto community for this stance.
Crypto Mom Hester Peirce
Peirce's contributions to cryptocurrency primarily include her belief that the SEC's overly strict regulations hinder innovation in the crypto industry. She has repeatedly criticized the SEC for rejecting the approval of Bitcoin spot ETFs and has advocated for a clearer regulatory framework for decentralized finance (DeFi).
In 2020, Peirce proposed a "safe harbor" proposal, which suggested allowing crypto projects to be exempt from the strict limitations of securities laws for three years, enabling projects to develop and achieve decentralization without the threat of SEC regulation. Although this proposal was not adopted by the SEC, it sparked widespread discussion within the industry. She is also one of the few commissioners within the SEC who supports the listing of Bitcoin ETFs.
On March 3, 2025, the SEC announced the list of members for the "SEC Crypto Task Force," further confirming Peirce's leadership of the group.
CFTC Chair Brian Quintenz: Bitcoin Is a Commodity, Just Like Gold or Oil
"Bitcoin is a commodity, just like gold or oil," said Brian Quintenz, the current chair of the CFTC.
Brian Quintenz was previously the policy director for the cryptocurrency department at a16z. He is now the current chair of the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).
He is currently seen as one of the key figures in the Trump administration promoting cryptocurrency policy.
Brian Quintenz was nominated by President Donald Trump and officially took office after Senate confirmation in February 2025.
From 2017 to 2021, Brian Quintenz served as a commissioner of the CFTC, during which he led the agency's Technology Advisory Committee and hosted multiple public policy discussions and briefings on cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. He actively advocated for "gentle" regulation of cryptocurrencies, emphasizing that innovation should not be stifled while protecting investors.
He pushed for the launch of the first regulated Bitcoin and Ethereum futures contracts on U.S. derivatives exchanges, demonstrating his deep understanding and supportive attitude towards the crypto market.
Brian Quintenz supports viewing most crypto assets as commodities rather than securities, which aligns with the CFTC's jurisdiction. He has publicly questioned the SEC's stance on assets like Ethereum, arguing that if Ethereum is considered a security, its futures contracts would be illegal. He has advocated for the CFTC to be the primary regulatory body for the crypto market to avoid the SEC's strict framework.
After leaving the CFTC, Brian Quintenz joined the cryptocurrency department of venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) as policy director, focusing on promoting regulatory reforms favorable to the crypto industry.
In terms of personal investments, Brian Quintenz has invested in the Grayscale Bitcoin Trust, showing his confidence in cryptocurrency assets.
On a national level, Brian Quintenz is also an active supporter of cryptocurrency. "A national crypto reserve is not a dream, but a strategy. The CFTC will work with the government to explore how Bitcoin can enhance the resilience of the U.S. economy," Brian Quintenz said at a summit in March 2025.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent: Cryptocurrency Is About Freedom, National Crypto Reserve Is Not a Dream
"A national crypto reserve is not a dream, but a strategy. Bitcoin can enhance the resilience of the U.S. economy," said current Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in January 2025.
Scott Bessent is a radical supporter of cryptocurrency. He has predicted that the price of Bitcoin will reach $980,000. According to financial disclosure documents from the U.S. government's Office of Government Ethics released in January 2025, Bessent holds a BlackRock Bitcoin spot ETF (IBIT) valued between $250,000 and $500,000.
Scott Bessent
Scott Bessent is the founder of Key Square Capital Management and has served as a partner and chief investment officer at George Soros's Soros Fund Management.
Bessent has publicly expressed support for cryptocurrency, particularly Bitcoin, on multiple occasions. He believes that cryptocurrency represents "freedom" and is a key component of financial system innovation. In a July 2024 interview with Fox Business, he stated: "Cryptocurrency is about freedom, and the crypto economy will exist for the long term." He also pointed out that Bitcoin is attractive to the younger generation and those outside the traditional banking system, capable of "cultivating America's market culture."
He supports Trump's proposal to establish a national strategic Bitcoin reserve, believing it could position the U.S. as a global leader in digital assets.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick: Bitcoin Is the Future of the Economy!
"Bitcoin is the future of the economy!" said current U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick in a public statement.
Lutnick holds a positive attitude towards cryptocurrency and has publicly supported Bitcoin and other digital assets. He compares Bitcoin to gold and advocates for its global free trade. In February 2025, Howard Lutnick was confirmed by the U.S. Senate as the Secretary of Commerce.
Prior to this, Lutnick served as the CEO of financial services firm Cantor Fitzgerald, which is a key partner of the world's largest stablecoin, Tether (USDT), responsible for managing part of Tether's reserve assets (including U.S. Treasury bonds).
As CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald, Lutnick actively supported Tether (USDT) and endorsed the legitimacy of its reserves. He pointed out that Cantor Fitzgerald, as a major U.S. government Treasury dealer, could meet large-scale redemption demands, ensuring the stability of Tether.
Lutnick also posted on X, stating: "Tether is the backbone of the crypto economy; those who question it do not understand modern finance."
Vice President JD Vance: The First Presidential Candidate to Own Bitcoin
Current U.S. Vice President JD Vance is the first presidential candidate in American history to own Bitcoin.
Vance has repeatedly viewed Bitcoin as a tool to combat government control over finance. During his 2024 campaign, he stated: "Bitcoin represents a decentralized future, and we need to protect it from bureaucratic encroachment." While he has not explicitly supported Trump's proposed "National Bitcoin Reserve" plan, his statements resonate with this vision.
In 2022, when the Canadian government froze the bank accounts of individuals involved in the Ottawa truckers' protest, Vance posted: "This is why cryptocurrency is thriving; if your political views are wrong, the government will cut off your access to banking services."
According to public disclosures in 2023, Vance holds Bitcoin (BTC) valued between $250,000 and $500,000 through Coinbase. After being nominated as a vice presidential candidate, Vance liquidated his personal Bitcoin holdings at the end of July 2024 to avoid potential conflicts of interest. This coincided with his wife Usha Vance resigning from Munger, Tolles & Olson law firm, which had provided legal services to Coinbase.
Like crypto czar David Sacks, Vance's career in Silicon Valley has established deep connections with tech leaders who support cryptocurrency. In 2019, Vance co-founded the venture capital firm Narya Capital with PayPal co-founder Peter Thiel and Eric Schmidt, focusing on tech startups in the Midwest. After being elected senator in 2022, he resigned from his partner position but still holds at least $500,000 in shares of the firm.
In Conclusion
Trump has become the most influential figure in the current global crypto industry ecosystem.
His radical attitude towards cryptocurrency stems, on one hand, from Trump's personal inclinations, and on the other hand, from the long-standing attitudes of his core team members and supporters towards cryptocurrency.
In 2013, crypto czar David Sacks began publicly supporting Bitcoin, believing that BTC aligns with PayPal's original dream of establishing a global currency as one of its founding team members. In 2018, Peirce, then an SEC commissioner, and Brian Quintenz, then a CFTC commissioner, publicly criticized the authorities for their overly strict regulation of the crypto industry, and now they have become the leaders of the SEC and CFTC.
As an arrow that has been building momentum for seven years is shot towards 2025, hitting the target, the potential it ignites will continue to extend.
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