David Sacks appointed as the White House's AI and crypto policy leader

The Trump administration has made a surprising choice: David Sacks, a technology veteran with decades of experience, will oversee the coordination of artificial intelligence and cryptocurrencies at the federal level. This appointment signals that the new government takes digitalization seriously and aims for a clear strategic focus in these future-oriented industries.

From South Africa to Silicon Valley: An Unusual Career

David Sacks’ rise did not follow the typical Silicon Valley path. Born in Cape Town in 1972, Sacks initially studied economics at Stanford before turning to law. His legal knowledge combined with technological understanding made him a rare hybrid – someone who understands both innovation and regulation.

In the late 1990s, Sacks joined Confinity, the precursor to PayPal, which at the time was a revolutionary idea in online payments. As COO, he was central to PayPal’s business development, which ultimately led to its acquisition by eBay in 2002. After this success, he founded Yammer, a social network platform for businesses, which Microsoft acquired in 2012 for $1.2 billion – a clear sign of Sacks’ knack for recognizing market trends.

The Investor Meets Technology

In 2017, Sacks co-founded the venture capital firm Craft Ventures, which focuses specifically on innovative technology companies. His portfolio reveals a clear preference: blockchain and digital payment systems. Especially Solana, a performance-oriented blockchain network, is among his preferred investments. In several public podcast appearances, Sacks expressed bullish confidence that decentralized technologies will shape the future of finance.

What Does Sacks’ New Role Mean for US Technology Policy?

The appointment of David Sacks is no random move. It symbolizes a strategic shift: The US wants to remain a global leader in AI and cryptocurrencies, rather than slow them down. Sacks’ task will be to create a practical legal framework that promotes innovation without allowing wild-west conditions.

The tech industry mostly reacted positively to the news. Many see Sacks as someone who understands technological realities and does not get stuck in ideological debates. His dual expertise – both as an entrepreneur and legal scholar – makes him well-suited to maintain the balance between regulation and creativity.

Whether Sacks can maintain this balance remains to be seen in the coming months. The crypto community hopes for clarity rather than blockade, the AI industry for research support rather than overregulation. David Sacks’ track record suggests he could understand both worlds – which is not a given in Washington.