Former President Donald Trump announced on Thursday the nomination of David Sacks, a venture capitalist and former PayPal executive, as his White House artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency advisor. The move aligns with Trump’s tendency to reward significant campaign donors with influential roles in his administration.
Sacks, who co-hosts the popular All-In podcast, is a prominent figure in Silicon Valley. He hosted a fundraiser for Trump in June at his San Francisco mansion, with ticket prices reaching $300,000 per person. The event reportedly generated over $12 million for Trump’s campaign.
On his podcast, Sacks discusses topics ranging from economics and technology to politics, alongside co-hosts Chamath Palihapitiya, Jason Calacanis, and David Friedberg. He is also known for his association with Elon Musk, particularly for supporting Musk’s acquisition of Twitter, now rebranded as X.
As AI and crypto czar, Sacks will oversee efforts to strengthen the United States’ position in artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency. Trump, in his announcement, highlighted the importance of these industries to America’s global competitiveness.
In addition to this role, Sacks will chair the President’s Council of Advisors for Science and Technology (PCAST), an advisory group providing evidence-based recommendations on critical issues like energy, public health, and national security.
While PCAST is traditionally led by scientists, Trump’s announcement emphasized Sacks’ focus on safeguarding free speech online and developing legal frameworks to support the U.S. cryptocurrency industry.
“He will steer us away from Big Tech bias and censorship,” Trump said, adding that Sacks’ work would ensure clarity for the crypto industry to thrive in the U.S.
Trump also named several loyalists to key positions in his administration:
- David Perdue, former senator and Trump ally, was appointed ambassador to China amid rising trade tensions.
- Rodney S. Scott, a border wall advocate and former U.S. Border Patrol chief, was selected as commissioner for U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
- Caleb Vitello, currently assistant director of the Office of Firearms and Tactical Programs, was named acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
- Brandon Judd, a former Border Patrol agent, was chosen as ambassador to Chile.
- Tony Salisbury, an ICE special agent, will serve as deputy homeland security advisor.
Sacks’ appointment reflects Trump’s prioritization of free speech and a pro-crypto stance, signaling a potential shift in federal policies related to technology and digital finance. With Sacks’ Silicon Valley connections and deep involvement in the tech industry, his influence could shape the administration’s approach to these rapidly evolving fields.
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