David Sacks, a venture capitalist and tech billionaire who was a key advocate for Silicon Valley in the White House and played a significant role in shaping the Trump administration’s AI policies, announced he is no longer a special government employee or President Donald Trump’s Special Advisor on AI and Crypto. His role as a special government employee allowed for simultaneous work in the private sector and government for a limited 130 days. Sacks disclosed in an interview with Bloomberg Television that he had exhausted his allowed time and would now focus on co-chairing the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST).
The White House recently announced several new appointments to the advisory council, including notable tech figures like Mark Zuckerberg, Marc Andreessen, Jensen Huang, and Sergey Brin. Michael Kratsios will also serve as co-chair. Sacks expects to make broader technology recommendations beyond AI in his new role, clarifying that it is advisory to the president and executive offices.
As the AI and crypto advisor, Sacks wielded substantial influence in shaping technology policy but faced backlash for his policy initiatives, including attempts to ban AI state laws, which created political tension with Republican governors and populists. Critics say his approach has damaged the administration’s populist credibility.
Sacks recently faced further controversy for publicly criticizing Trump on his podcast, suggesting he needed an “off-ramp” from conflict with Iran. Trump’s administration has a history of reassigning controversial appointees, such as Mike Waltz and Kristi Noem, instead of direct dismissals.