David Sacks Appointed as AI and Crypto ‘Czar’ by Trump
In a surprising announcement made by President-elect Donald Trump on Truth Social, venture investor and podcaster David Sacks has been appointed as the “White House A.I. & Crypto Czar.” This move comes as a significant development in shaping the administration’s policies on artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency.
A New Role with Great Responsibility
Sacks will be responsible for creating a legal framework for cryptocurrency and leading a presidential council of advisors on science and technology. Trump emphasized that Sacks will focus on making America the global leader in these areas, safeguarding free speech online, and steering away from Big Tech bias and censorship.
A Changing Relationship
The appointment of Sacks signifies a shift in relationships between Silicon Valley figures and the Trump administration. Sacks, who was critical of Trump following the Capitol riot in January 6, 2021, became a major supporter this year by hosting a fundraiser for the then-Republican nominee. This change in tone highlights the evolving dynamics between tech leaders and political figures.
Background and Expertise
Sacks, a venture capitalist and entrepreneur, is best known for selling Yammer to Microsoft for $1.2 billion in 2012. He is affiliated with the “PayPal mafia,” a group of influential technology figures and investors. Additionally, his popular podcast, All-In, has gained recognition for discussing economic, political, and social issues with other prominent investors.
This appointment reflects the administration’s commitment to engaging with key figures in the tech industry to shape policies on AI and cryptocurrency. Sacks’ background and expertise position him as a valuable asset in guiding the administration’s approach to these critical areas of technology.