Trump Appoints David Sacks as AI and Crypto Czar
Trump Appoints David Sacks as AI and Crypto Czar.
A leading donor associated with Musk is set to provide guidance on two key areas essential for enhancing American competitiveness in the future.
On Thursday, Donald Trump declared his nomination of David Sacks, a podcaster and former chief operating officer of PayPal, to serve as his White House czar for artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency. This decision reflects a continued trend of bestowing political influence upon significant financial contributors.
Sacks, a venture capitalist with deep ties to Silicon Valley, hosted a fundraising event at his San Francisco residence in June, attracting affluent donors with ticket prices reaching as high as $300,000. This gathering is said to have generated over $12 million for the Trump campaign.
As a co-host of the widely recognized podcast All-In, Sacks collaborates with Chamath Palihapitiya, Jason Calacanis, and David Friedberg, discussing a range of topics including economics, technology, politics, social issues, and poker in their weekly episodes.
Additionally, Sacks has maintained a close association with Elon Musk, supporting Musk's efforts to acquire Twitter, now known as X. The two influential figures reportedly worked together to encourage the president-elect to select JD Vance as his running mate.
Trump has evidently taken the advice to heart. He has now appointed Sacks to the federal government to provide guidance and leadership aimed at enhancing the cryptocurrency sector and artificial intelligence, which Trump identifies as "two areas critical to the future of American competitiveness," as stated in his announcement.
RELATED: Bitcoin Surges After Trump Picks Paul Atkins to Head SEC.
In addition to this advisory role, Trump has designated Sacks to lead his council of advisors on science and technology, an independent committee of experts traditionally tasked with assisting presidents in making significant decisions and formulating evidence-based policy recommendations.
The committee's work encompasses a variety of specialized fields, including energy, environmental issues, public health, and national security.
(Image: White House Photo by Joyce N Boghosian/Sipa USA/PA)
Currently, the committee is co-chaired by three distinguished scientists, among them Dr. Arati Prabhakar, an engineer and applied physicist who previously served as the director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology.
According to Trump's announcement, Sacks will focus on a specific set of priorities, although it remains unclear whether science will play a role in these initiatives.
“He will safeguard Free Speech online, and steer us away from Big Tech bias and censorship,” Trump continued. “He will work on a legal framework so the Crypto industry has the clarity it has been asking for, and can thrive in the US.”
The announcement regarding Sacks was made amidst a series of posts shared on Thursday evening, coinciding with Trump's designation of additional allies for his forthcoming administration.
David Perdue, a former Senator and a steadfast supporter of the MAGA movement who encountered federal scrutiny concerning his stock trading activities during his tenure, has been appointed as the ambassador to China—a significant diplomatic position as Trump intensifies trade tensions.
Rodney S. Scott, the former chief of the U.S. Border Patrol and a proponent of the border wall, has been selected as the commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Caleb Vitello, currently serving as the assistant director of the Office of Firearms and Tactical Programs, has been appointed as the acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Brandon Judd, a former Border Patrol agent, has been designated as the ambassador to Chile. Additionally, ICE special agent Tony Salisbury has been appointed as the deputy homeland security adviser.
Donald Trump's appointment of David Sacks as the White House czar for artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency reflects a strategic move to bolster America’s future competitiveness. With deep ties to Silicon Valley, venture capital, and influential figures like Elon Musk, Sacks brings valuable expertise to these rapidly evolving industries.
His role extends beyond AI and crypto, as he will also lead Trump’s advisory council on science and technology. Sacks’ focus on safeguarding free speech, addressing Big Tech biases, and creating a clear legal framework for the crypto industry signals a proactive approach to shaping U.S. policy in these critical sectors.
