Bitcoin Core developer Gloria Zhao has stepped down from her role as a maintainer and revoked her PGP signing key after an impactful six-year journey. Known for her significant contributions to mempool policy and transaction relay, Zhao's departure marks a pivotal moment for the Bitcoin Core community.

In her final act as a maintainer, Zhao submitted a pull request to the Bitcoin GitHub repository, officially removing her key from the list of trusted keys. This action signifies her withdrawal from a position held by only a few individuals capable of updating Bitcoin's software. Since becoming the first known female maintainer in 2022, she has played a crucial role in shaping Bitcoin's infrastructure.

Zhao's work focused on enhancing mempool policy and transaction relay, which are essential for determining how transactions propagate across the network. She was instrumental in the design and implementation of significant proposals, such as package relay (BIP 331) and TRUC (Topologically Restricted Until Confirmation, BIP 431). These upgrades have made fee bumping more reliable and have reduced the potential for censorship in transaction processing.

Her journey in the Bitcoin community began when she was funded through Brink, where she became the organization's first fellow in 2021. Zhao's fellowship was backed by notable supporters like the Human Rights Foundation’s Bitcoin Development Fund and Jack Dorsey’s Spiral. This backing placed her among a select group of full-time open-source Bitcoin protocol engineers, highlighting her importance in the ecosystem.

Beyond her technical achievements, Zhao also dedicated time to mentoring new contributors. She co-ran the Bitcoin Core PR Review Club, providing guidance to junior developers on how to navigate the conservative review culture of Bitcoin Core. Her efforts to foster a supportive environment for new talent have been lauded by many in the community.

However, Zhao's resignation comes amid ongoing public disputes between Bitcoin Core and Bitcoin Knots, particularly over the removal of OP_RETURN limits. This conflict revolves around the debate on whether Bitcoin's default node software should restrict the use of block space for non-monetary data. The tensions surrounding these issues have been a challenging backdrop for Zhao.

In 2025, the situation escalated when Zhao deleted her X account after facing personal attacks during the OP_RETURN debate. This incident was a culmination of ongoing pressures and disputes within the community, and it highlighted the challenges faced by developers in the rapidly evolving Bitcoin landscape.

While some critics of Bitcoin Core celebrated her departure, many others expressed dismay, stating that the treatment Zhao received was unjust. Comments from community members suggest that her resignation reflects a troubling trend in the treatment of key contributors. Many voiced their concerns that Zhao was bullied into leaving her role, calling the situation tragic and regrettable.

The sentiment among her supporters underscores the importance of fostering a respectful and inclusive environment within the cryptocurrency community. Zhao’s contributions to Bitcoin Core were significant, and her mentorship efforts have left a lasting impact on aspiring developers.

As the Bitcoin Core community navigates this transition, questions arise about who will step into Zhao's role and how the ongoing debates will affect the future of Bitcoin's development. Her departure is not just a loss for Bitcoin Core; it raises broader concerns about community dynamics and the treatment of women in tech.

In the wake of Zhao's exit, the Bitcoin community must reflect on its culture and ensure that it remains a welcoming space for all contributors, regardless of their background. The challenges faced by developers like Zhao point to the need for a supportive environment where diverse voices can thrive.

Ultimately, Zhao's legacy within the Bitcoin community will be remembered for both her technical achievements and her commitment to mentoring the next generation of developers. As the Bitcoin ecosystem continues to evolve, her contributions will serve as a foundation for future innovations and improvements.