David Sacks leaves White House AI and crypto role after SGE limit

In short: David Sacks says he is no longer a special government employee, which ends his formal White House role as Trump’s AI and crypto advisor.

What happened

David Sacks, a venture capitalist, was appointed on December 5, 2024 as the White House “AI and Crypto Czar.” The job focused on shaping policy for artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency.

Sacks served as a Special Government Employee, or SGE. That is a legal category for temporary or part-time government work, and it comes with a hard cap of 130 days. It can also allow someone to keep outside business interests while advising the government, which is one reason it is controversial.

Sacks’ SGE status ended after reaching the 130-day limit, according to recent reporting. That means he is no longer in the formal advisory position tied to that status, including his role connected to the Presidential Council of Advisors on Science and Technology.

Critics had raised conflict of interest concerns because Sacks kept ties to his venture firm, Craft Ventures, and held many investments in AI-related companies. A New York Times investigation also reported that some of the policy moves he pushed could have benefited his investments and his business activities, including events tied to his “All-In” podcast.

Why it matters

AI and crypto policy can affect everyday people in indirect ways, like what financial products are allowed, what rules companies must follow, and how safe and accountable AI systems are. When a policy advisor has large financial stakes in the industries they are shaping, it can look like a referee also betting on the game.

Source: The Verge AI