- President-elect Donald Trump names David Sacks as lead adviser on AI and crypto, signaling a push for clearer policies in emerging technologies.
- Sacks, a former PayPal executive and prominent Trump supporter will also chair the Presidential Council of Advisors for Science and Technology.
United States President-elect Donald Trump has appointed David Sacks, ex-PayPal operating chief, as lead policy adviser on artificial intelligence (AI) and cryptocurrency.
The appointment was announced on December 6 via Truth Social. Sacks will serve as the “White House A.I. & Crypto Czar” and will focus on shaping policies vital to the nation’s competitiveness in these fields.
In his statement, Trump emphasized that Sacks would work on developing a clear legal framework for the crypto industry to foster innovation and growth within the United States. Additionally, Sacks will play a key role in safeguarding online speech, addressing concerns over alleged Big Tech bias and censorship. His responsibilities will also include chairing the Presidential Council of Advisors for Science and Technology.
Sacks brings significant experience to the role, having been an early executive at PayPal and the co-founder of Yammer, which Microsoft acquired for $1.2 billion in 2012. He is currently known for co-hosting the business-focused All In podcast and for his leadership at the venture capital firm Craft Ventures.
Trump’s decision to appoint Sacks highlights his administration’s reliance on prominent business figures who backed his campaign. Sacks, a major Trump supporter during the election, hosted a fundraiser that raised $12 million for the president-elect. The appointment aligns with Trump’s pro-crypto stance, which was a central theme of his campaign. Trump has vowed to position the U.S. as “the world capital of crypto,” earning substantial financial backing from industry leaders.
The announcement comes as Trump fills several advisory roles with pro-crypto figures, including Elon Musk and Paul Atkins, the latter recently named chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Crypto executives are optimistic that these appointments will lead to a more favorable regulatory environment, reducing enforcement actions by the SEC.
Editorial Note: This news article has been written with assistance from AI. Edited & fact-checked by Harshajit Sarmah.
