White House crypto adviser Witt defers military leave for CLARITY Act
The White House’s top crypto negotiator will remain at his post to push the first comprehensive US regulatory framework through the Senate ahead of a critical August deadline, even as his deputy prepares to depart.
Patrick Witt, the White House’s top crypto policy negotiator, has deferred his scheduled July 27 Judge Advocate General training with the Georgia Army National Guard to remain at his post. “Last week, it was reported that I was set to leave for mandatory training as part of my service in the Georgia Army National Guard, right before Clarity hits the Senate floor,” Witt said. “While I remain committed to fulfilling my service obligation, I am grateful to report that my training has been deferred, and that I will be able to see this effort through to the end,” he added.
The CLARITY Act represents the first comprehensive US regulatory framework for the digital asset sector. Its passage is widely seen as a prerequisite for institutional capital to enter the crypto market with full legal certainty. Retaining Witt ensures the administration has its chief dealmaker present during these decisive weeks, as the legislation faces a strict deadline to pass the Senate before the Aug. 8 recess.
However, Witt’s decision to stay coincides with a significant staffing change within the council. His deputy, Harry Jung, announced on Monday that he will leave government service in two weeks, a move that eliminates the planned temporary replacement for Witt. “In two weeks, I will leave government service with immense gratitude,” Jung said. “These past two years transformed America’s position on crypto. I’m proud of all we accomplished.”
This is the second time Witt has deferred his National Guard training to maintain momentum on the CLARITY Act, having first postponed the requirement in April. The overlapping timing of Witt’s retained role and Jung’s exit leaves the administration’s crypto advisory team in a state of flux. Market participants will be watching closely to see if the legislative drive can withstand the loss of a key deputy during the final push toward a Senate vote.
