Innovation

Who is David Sacks? Here’s Everything You Need to Know About Trump’s New Crypto Czar

Donald Trump crypto czar tapped as David Sacks—entrepreneur, VC, podcaster, and former PayPal COO. But who is David Sacks?

By Isaiah Mccall

Last Updated: Dec 6, 2024

Fact checked

By Sam Cooling

Donald Trump crypto czar tapped as David Sacks—entrepreneur, VC, podcaster, and former PayPal COO. But who is David Sacks?

President-elect Donald Trump has tapped David Sacks—entrepreneur, VC, podcaster, and former PayPal COO—as his pick for White House AI and crypto czar.

The move doubles down on Trump’s tech-forward accelerationist agenda, staking America’s economic edge on AI and crypto. Sacks brings heavyweight credentials, sure, but the choice also sparks chatter about political paybacks and the power of deep-pocketed donors.

Who is Crypto Czar David Sacks?

David Sacks carved his name as part of the “PayPal Mafia,” the alumni club of Silicon Valley power players reshaping the tech world. At Craft Ventures, he’s gone from disruptor to kingmaker, funneling cash into startups that straddle tech, finance, and media.

Not content with just pulling strings behind the scenes, Sacks shares the mic with industry titans like Chamath Palihapitiya on the All-In podcast, where tech, politics, and economics collide. And then there’s Elon Musk—Sacks stood firmly behind the Tesla titan’s chaotic Twitter takeover in 2022, throwing his weight into one of the most polarizing deals in recent history.

Sacks didn’t just bankroll startups this year—he bankrolled Trump. Hosting a $12 million fundraiser at his San Francisco home, Sacks proved his knack for marrying tech money with political influence. Now, with his latest appointment, he’s cemented his spot as a key figure in Trump’s administration. It’s a case study of how cutting the right checks can open the biggest doors in government.

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Defining the AI and Crypto Czar Role

Trump’s announcement casts Sacks as instrumental in shaping U.S. policy on two key tech sectors. According to Trump, Sacks will focus on several priorities, including fostering innovation, establishing legal clarity for the cryptocurrency industry, and safeguarding free speech online.

  • “He will safeguard Free Speech online and steer us away from Big Tech bias and censorship,” Trump stated.
  • “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.”

These priorities align with Trump’s broader pro-business and populist agenda, emphasizing unregulated markets and decentralizing power from what he perceives to be Silicon Valley monopolies.

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Implications for AI and Crypto Policy

Sacks’ appointment signals a significant shift in how the White House might approach technology policy. The U.S. has lagged behind other countries, like China, in issuing cohesive frameworks for AI development and digital assets regulation. Sacks is expected to bring Silicon Valley’s innovative mindset to the federal government and push for deregulation.

Meanwhile, his role in AI policy may emphasize ethical innovation and promote U.S. dominance in machine learning technologies.

Sacks isn’t the only ally joining Trump’s team. The president-elect has stacked his incoming administration, Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, under the banner DOGE, as well as border security advocates taking key immigration roles.

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What’s Next for Innovation in America?

Under Sacks’ leadership, America could become the crypto hub of the world. Politics aside, if you hold crypto Trump is giving you everything you could have dreamed of.

With Silicon Valley’s increasing influence in the federal government, this is an unprecedented administration. It’s unclear whether Sacks will focus on long-term solutions or short-term political gains, but America’s tech sector is at a crucial turning point with significant opportunities ahead.

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Crypto is a high-risk asset class. This article is provided for informational purposes and does not constitute investment advice. You could lose all of your capital.
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Isaiah Mccall
Isaiah Mccall
Crypto Analyst

Isaiah McCall is an ultramarathon runner and journalist for 99Bitcoins. He started at USAToday in 2019 and now has a Medium blog following of 30k+ and millions of views. Follow him at @AfroReporter Read More

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