White House AI Czar David Sacks Faces Scrutiny Over 449 AI Investments

Washington D.C. – David Sacks, the Trump administration’s Artificial Intelligence and Crypto Czar, is under heightened scrutiny following a New York Times report detailing potential conflicts of interest stemming from his extensive investment portfolio. The report, published November 30, 2025, highlights that Sacks holds stakes in at least 449 artificial intelligence companies, raising questions about his dual role as a policy influencer and venture capitalist.

The appointment has been lauded by some, with one social media user, "Cam," stating, "> What @DavidSacks did would be like Greg Maddux leaving one of the best rosters ever, at the peak of his career, and missing the '95 World Series to coach the Olympic team. This is service through sacrifice, and a rare case of the USA getting the best we have to offer." This perspective underscores a belief that Sacks has made a personal sacrifice for public service.

However, the New York Times investigation suggests that Sacks' position could significantly benefit his investments and those of his associates. As the White House AI and Crypto Czar, Sacks has influenced policies, including an "A.I. Action Plan" unveiled by President Trump, that could directly impact companies in which he holds financial interests. His public ethics filings, which categorize many AI companies as software or hardware, have been criticized for lacking transparency regarding the value and divestment timeline of his assets.

Sacks has received two White House ethics waivers, stating he would sell most of his crypto and AI assets. Despite this, the Times analysis of his financial disclosures identified 449 AI-related investments. White House spokeswoman Liz Huston defended Sacks, stating his insights were "an invaluable asset for President Trump’s agenda of cementing American technology dominance."

Sacks, a prominent venture capitalist and co-founder of Craft Ventures, has publicly pushed back against the conflict of interest narrative. His spokesperson, Jessica Hoffman, asserted that "this conflict of interest narrative is false" and that Sacks has complied with special government employee rules, arguing his government role has incurred costs rather than benefits. The controversy highlights the complex ethical challenges arising when tech industry leaders assume influential government roles.