Washington D.C. – President-elect Donald Trump has named venture capitalist and podcast co-host David Sacks as the White House AI and Crypto Czar for the incoming administration, a newly created position. Announced in December 2024, the appointment signals a strong push towards a deregulatory and pro-industry approach for artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency in the United States. This move positions Sacks to guide policy in two sectors deemed critical for American competitiveness.
David Sacks is a prominent figure in Silicon Valley, known for his roles as former Chief Operating Officer of PayPal and founder of Yammer. He is also a co-host of the popular "All-In" podcast, which covers a wide range of topics including technology, economics, and politics. Sacks co-founded Craft Ventures, an early-stage venture fund, and has made angel investments in major tech companies such as Facebook, Uber, and SpaceX.
Sacks has increasingly emerged as an influential conservative voice within the tech community and a key supporter of Donald Trump. He hosted a significant fundraiser for Trump in San Francisco in June 2024, reportedly raising over $12 million, and delivered a speech at the Republican National Convention in July. This rise to prominence in political circles was highlighted in a recent article, as noted by Alex Bruesewitz, stating, > "‘How podcast co-host David Sacks emerged in Trump’s Washington.’"
In his new role, Sacks is expected to work on establishing a legal framework for the cryptocurrency industry, aiming to provide clarity and foster growth. His appointment is widely interpreted as a commitment from the Trump administration to minimize regulation in both AI and crypto, a stance favored by many tech leaders. Some observers, however, have raised concerns regarding potential conflicts of interest given Sacks' extensive investments in the tech sector and his decision not to divest from Craft Ventures.
The creation of the AI and Crypto Czar position underscores the administration's intent to elevate these technologies on the national agenda. Trump has previously expressed a desire to make the U.S. a "crypto capital," and Sacks' influence is seen as instrumental in this shift. While the exact scope and influence of the role are still being defined, the appointment of Sacks indicates a clear direction for tech policy under the new administration.