US President-elect Donald Trump has appointed David Sacks to oversee policy on artificial intelligence (AI) and cryptocurrency during his second term in office. Sacks, a seasoned entrepreneur and tech investor, is tasked with shaping the future of these two critical industries to bolster America’s global competitiveness.
Trump announced the appointment on his social media platform, Truth Social, praising Sacks for his expertise. “[Sacks] has the knowledge, business experience, intelligence, and pragmatism to MAKE AMERICA GREAT in these two critical technologies,” Trump stated.
Sacks’ responsibilities will include safeguarding free speech online, addressing concerns over “Big Tech bias and censorship,” and establishing a clear legal framework for the US cryptocurrency industry. Additionally, Sacks will chair the Presidential Council of Advisors for Science and Technology, which advises the President on advancements in science and technology.
A Visionary Career in Tech and Beyond
David Sacks began his career after earning a law degree from the University of Chicago in 1998. Initially working as a management consultant at McKinsey & Company, he soon joined Confinity, a startup co-founded by Peter Thiel, an ally of Vice President-elect JD Vance. At Confinity’s PayPal, Sacks served as head of product, building the company’s foundational teams before its eventual acquisition by eBay for $1.5 billion.
Trump emphasized Sacks’ affiliation with the “PayPal Mafia,” a group of early PayPal founders who have gone on to launch and grow some of Silicon Valley’s most influential companies.
After PayPal’s sale, Sacks ventured into Hollywood, financing and producing the political satire Thank You for Smoking, which earned two Golden Globe nominations in 2007. However, his tech roots remained strong. In 2008, he founded Yammer, a corporate social networking platform, which Microsoft acquired in 2012 for $1.2 billion.
By 2017, Sacks co-founded Craft Ventures, a San Francisco-based investment firm. Through Craft Ventures, he has backed over 20 unicorn companies, including Airbnb, Meta (Facebook), Lyft, SpaceX, and Reddit.
Sacks also co-hosts the popular “All-In Podcast,” where he and fellow entrepreneurs discuss technology, politics, and social issues.
Personal Background
Born to a Jewish family in Cape Town, South Africa, Sacks moved to the United States at the age of five. His upbringing and diverse experiences have shaped his multifaceted career as a tech entrepreneur, investor, and film producer.
With his extensive track record in technology and innovation, Sacks’ appointment signals the Trump administration’s prioritization of AI and cryptocurrency as cornerstones of America’s economic and technological future.
