David Sacks, a prominent Silicon Valley venture capitalist and recently appointed White House AI and crypto czar, has sharply criticized the Democratic Party's current trajectory, asserting that they will "continue losing" unless they confront the real reasons for past electoral defeats and fundamentally alter their policies. His remarks, shared via a tweet, specifically targeted California Governor Gavin Newsom's potential 2028 presidential aspirations, suggesting Newsom's record would be a significant hurdle.
Sacks, a co-host of the influential "All-In Podcast," has been a vocal critic of Governor Newsom, particularly regarding California's handling of issues such as crime, homelessness, and the COVID-19 pandemic. He previously supported efforts to recall Newsom, arguing the governor had failed to address critical state problems effectively. This consistent critique underscores Sacks's belief that the Democratic Party's policy positions are out of step with voter concerns.
Governor Newsom is widely speculated to be a leading contender for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2028, actively raising his national profile and engaging in aggressive political tactics against former President Donald Trump. Recent polls indicate a surge in Newsom's favorability among potential Democratic voters, with some showing him gaining momentum by directly confronting Trump's agenda. His office has adopted a combative social media strategy, mimicking Trump's style to mock opponents and highlight Republican initiatives.
Despite Newsom's rising visibility, Sacks maintains that the Democratic Party's core policy issues remain unaddressed. According to the tweet, Sacks stated, "Until the Democrats confront why they really lost … and change their policies, then I think they're going to continue losing." This perspective suggests that a focus on style or opposition to a particular figure will not be sufficient to secure long-term electoral success for the party.
Sacks's commentary carries increased weight following his recent appointment by President Donald Trump to a key role in the incoming administration, tasked with building a legal framework for AI and cryptocurrency. His transition from a tech industry leader to a direct political appointee further solidifies his standing as a significant voice in conservative and tech-aligned political discourse, emphasizing the growing intersection of technology, policy, and national politics.