President-elect Trump has appointed David Sacks, a tech executive with ties to Elon Musk and Peter Thiel, as his new “AI & crypto czar.” This move gives Sacks significant influence over the country’s technology policy. A co-founder of PayPal, where he worked with Musk and Thiel, Sacks will focus on safeguarding free speech online and promoting blockchain technology in the US.
Sacks is also known for hosting the popular podcast “All In,” which adds to his reputation as a prominent figure in Silicon Valley. His new role reflects Trump’s growing interest in emerging technologies, echoing the coalition of wealthy tech founders that helped propel him back into office.
However, the position’s structure and Sacks’ potential conflicts are unclear. He recently launched an AI company called Glue, which may raise questions about potential conflicts of interest. As a lightning rod for controversy, Sacks’ appointment could signal a shift in Washington’s approach to tech policy, with the conservative-libertarian wing now taking charge.
Source: https://www.axios.com/2024/12/06/david-sacks-musk-trump-ai-crypto-czar