Trump names Musk ally David Sacks "AI & crypto czar" to coordinate policy
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David O. Sacks, left, and Elon Musk. Photo: Christian Grattan/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images
President-elect Trump named investor, Elon Musk ally and podcaster David Sacks to the new role of "AI & crypto czar."
Why it matters: Sacks, an experienced but controversial tech executive, will have an expansive hand in shaping the country's technology policy.
- It further cements the influence of Musk and entrepreneur Peter Thiel in the most important parts of government.
Catch up quick: Sacks was a co-founder of PayPal, where he worked with Musk and Thiel, and later invested in their companies SpaceX and Palantir.
- "He will safeguard Free Speech online, and steer us away from Big Tech bias and censorship. 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 said in a Truth Social post.
- Sacks is also known more recently as a co-host of the "All In" podcast.
Zoom out: Trump was reported to be considering an AI czar, and also the possibility of rolling in cryptocurrencies as well.
- His increased attention to emerging technologies mirrors the coalition of wealthy tech founders who helped propel him back into office.
Yes, but: Sacks' new role does not officially exist today, making it unclear exactly how the position will be structured within the government (or not) and what authority he'll have.
- Sacks also launched an AI company called Glue earlier this year; it's not clear if that will conflict with his new role.
Between the lines: Sacks has been a lightning rod for controversy in recent months.
- Over the summer, he was embroiled in a social-media fight among venture capitalists over one of his previous investments and allegations of mistreating the founder.
What they're saying: Reaction to Sacks' appointment was both swift and very mixed.
- "I know he's an awful person from the things he's done," prominent Silicon Valley investor and writer Paul Graham posted on X.
- "I can't think of a better person," DigiBuild CEO Robert Salvador posted.
Go deeper: Trump pushes for global dollar dominance, but also embraces bitcoin
Editor's note: This story has been updated with reactions to Sacks' appointment.
