President Donald Trump has appointed David Sacks as the United States’ first-ever White House Crypto Czar. In this newly created role, Sacks will oversee U.S. cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence policies as the incoming administration pushes for global dominance in both sectors.
A prominent Silicon Valley investor and partner at Craft Ventures, Sacks is well-known for supporting Solana, a blockchain he has championed since its early days.
A new vision for crypto regulation
As Crypto Czar, Sacks will play a central role in shaping regulatory frameworks for the cryptocurrency industry. His appointment comes as the Trump administration seeks to address long-standing regulatory uncertainties, such as classifying digital assets as securities or commodities. President Trump expressed confidence in Sacks, stating that he will create clear guidelines to allow the crypto industry to grow within the United States.
Sacks has publicly backed a model under the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), in which some cryptocurrencies are treated as commodities. This approach contrasts with the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) stance under its current chair, Gary Gensler, which has been criticized as overly aggressive. Sacks has called for clear boundaries in crypto regulation, arguing that it will foster innovation and investment.
Expanding influence over AI policy
In addition to his crypto responsibilities, Sacks will chair the Presidential Council of Advisors for Science and Technology. In this role, he will guide the administration’s artificial intelligence strategy. Trump’s plans include rolling back policies introduced by President Biden in 2023, which emphasized AI safety and privacy protections. Sacks will balance innovation with challenges like job displacement and security risks.
Sacks is expected to collaborate closely with tech leaders, including Elon Musk, whose company xAI is advancing AI technologies. This reflects the administration’s broader goal to position the U.S. as a global leader in AI development.
Balancing private and public roles
While serving as Crypto Czar, Sacks will retain his position at Craft Ventures. He will operate under the status of a special government employee, limiting his federal service to 130 days per year. This allows him to avoid disclosing or divesting financial holdings but requires him to recuse himself from decisions that could directly affect his investments. Sacks’ appointment signals a shift in the federal government’s approach to cryptocurrency and AI, aligning with Trump’s vision for technological leadership.