Investor and Trump administration AI czar David Sacks is helping shape the nation’s AI policy while holding stakes in hundreds of AI companies. Despite divesting from some crypto investments, he remains invested in 449 companies with AI products.
Critics argue that his involvement creates a conflict of interest. A report by The New York Times found that Sacks’ policies benefit his own tech investments and Silicon Valley friends. Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff tweeted, “We need to remember, America wins the century by elevating builders, not tearing them down.”
Sacks maintains he has complied with government ethics requirements but the investigation raises questions about his influence in shaping AI policy. His peers see him as an asset in the global race for AI dominance.
The report also highlights Sacks’ financial gain from his involvement in the Trump administration’s policies. For example, his firm Craft Ventures invested in crypto company BitGo, which benefited from the GENIUS Act legislation. The investigation provides a stark contrast to how tech policy works now, with some arguing it is corruption and others seeing it as a necessary compromise.
Note: I simplified the text by removing unnecessary words and phrases, focusing on the main points of the article.
Source: https://sfstandard.com/2025/12/02/ai-conflicts-silicon-valley-says-david-sacks-just-doing-job