David Sacks Steps Down as White House AI and Crypto Czar, Moves to Advisory Role
Key Takeaways
- ▸David Sacks has transitioned from Special Advisor on AI and Crypto to co-chair of the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST)
- ▸Sacks' departure from his formal government role was due to reaching the 130-day limit for special government employees
- ▸His tenure as AI czar was marked by controversial policy attempts, including a proposed blanket ban on state AI laws that drew bipartisan criticism
Summary
David Sacks, the venture capitalist who served as President Trump's Special Advisor on AI and Crypto, has stepped down from his formal government position after exhausting his 130-day limit as a special government employee. Sacks revealed in a Bloomberg Television interview that he had "used up that time" and would transition to co-chairing the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST), joining other tech executives including Mark Zuckerberg, Marc Andreessen, and Jensen Huang.
In his new advisory role, Sacks will focus on studying technology issues and making recommendations to the White House on a broader range of topics beyond AI and crypto, though his position will no longer involve direct coordination with federal agencies. The transition comes after Sacks' tenure as AI czar drew criticism from both conservative and populist circles for his aggressive policy initiatives, particularly his push for a blanket ban on state AI laws that alienated Republican governors and MAGA supporters.
- The PCAST advisory council now includes prominent tech leaders including Mark Zuckerberg, Marc Andreessen, Jensen Huang, and Sergey Brin
