Who is the Upcoming White House AI and Crypto Czar, David Sacks?

David Sacks: Silicon Valley Veteran and Venture Capitalist

David Sacks is a well-known figure in Silicon Valley, best recognized for his role as the former chief operating officer (COO) of PayPal. His ties to the tech industry, particularly the PayPal Mafia—the group of entrepreneurs who emerged from PayPal’s early years—have earned him a reputation as a key player in the digital economy. 

After PayPal’s acquisition by eBay, Sacks ventured into Hollywood, producing the satire Thank You for Smoking. He later returned to Silicon Valley to found Yammer, a workplace communication platform acquired by Microsoft in 2012 for $1.2 billion.

In 2017, Sacks founded Craft Ventures, a venture capital firm where he has invested in several prominent companies, including Elon Musk’s SpaceX.  

Trump’s Vision: A Legal Framework for Crypto

In his announcement, Trump emphasized that Sacks’ mission would be to establish a clear legal framework for the U.S. cryptocurrency sector. 

“He will work on a legal framework so the crypto industry has the clarity it has been asking for and can thrive in the U.S.,” Trump stated. 

With the crypto industry often grappling with regulatory uncertainty, Sacks’ appointment suggests a more favorable and predictable environment for the sector, which has faced growing regulatory pressure in recent years.

Trump’s announcement also emphasized that Sacks would work to safeguard free speech online, counteracting what he sees as Big Tech’s biases and censorship. With the rise of AI-driven platforms, including those developed by Musk’s company xAI, Sacks’ role will also involve ensuring that AI innovation continues in a manner that supports both market competition and American leadership.

In addition to his duties as the White House AI and Crypto Czar, Sacks will lead the Presidential Council of Advisors for Science and Technology. 

Sacks' Role and Potential Conflicts of Interest

Despite his high-profile position, Sacks will not be required to divest or disclose his financial holdings. However, as a special government employee, he will be subject to conflict-of-interest rules and will need to recuse himself from any matters that could impact his financial interests. Like Musk, Sacks can serve up to 130 days per year in this capacity, with or without compensation.