David Sacks, venture capitalist and podcaster, has been named the “White House A.I. & Crypto Czar” by President-elect Donald Trump, announced on Truth Social Thursday.
Sacks will spearhead the administration’s strategies on artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency, focusing on crafting a legal framework for crypto and leading a presidential advisory council on science and technology. Trump emphasized Sacks’ role in cementing America’s global leadership in these fields while safeguarding free speech and countering Big Tech bias and censorship.
This move highlights the administration’s inclination to reward Silicon Valley figures supporting Trump’s campaign and reflects a pro-crypto policy stance. Earlier this year, Sacks hosted a $50,000-per-ticket fundraiser at his San Francisco mansion, with a $300,000 VIP package including a photo op with Trump.
Sacks’ appointment marks a notable shift, as he previously criticized Trump following the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, holding him responsible for the events and declaring him “disqualified” from national candidacy on his All-In podcast. However, he later spoke at the Republican National Convention in July, cementing his alliance with Trump’s political circle.
A successful entrepreneur, Sacks sold Yammer to Microsoft for $1.2 billion in 2012 and is a key member of the “PayPal Mafia,” alongside tech giants like Elon Musk and Peter Thiel. Recently, he has gained prominence as a co-host of the All-In podcast, which Trump praised as the “top podcast in Tech.
