Venture capitalist David Sacks has formally concluded his tenure as the Trump administration's lead official on artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency policy, moving to a broader advisory role. Sacks told Bloomberg that his appointment as a special government employee had a statutory limit of 130 days, a period now completed.
"I had a role as a special government employee that was 130 days...we've now used up that time," Sacks stated. He was the first individual to hold the dual-focus position, helping to steer the administration's early regulatory and strategic approach to two of the most disruptive technological sectors.
Transition to Broader Advisory Council
Sacks will now serve as co-chair of President Trump's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST). He framed the shift as an expansion of his influence. "I think moving forward as co-chair of PCAST, I can now make recommendations on not just AI, but an expanded range of technology topics," he explained.
He will share leadership of the council with Michael Kratsios, who directs the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. The 13-member panel includes several prominent tech industry figures, such as Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, Meta's Mark Zuckerberg, and Oracle's Larry Ellison.
Focus and Function of the Advisory Panel
Sacks indicated that PCAST will operate as a collaborative body to study complex issues before formalizing policy recommendations for the administration. He predicted artificial intelligence would command significant attention, particularly its implications for economic competitiveness, the future of work, and national security. This advisory shift occurs amid ongoing regulatory efforts to establish a jurisdictional framework for cryptocurrency as broader legislative action remains stalled in Congress.
The move reflects the administration's continued reliance on private-sector executives to shape federal technology policy. Sacks, a founding member of the "PayPal Mafia" alongside Elon Musk and Peter Thiel, founded the enterprise social network Yammer and later launched the venture firm Craft Ventures. His appointment last year signaled the White House's intent to prioritize technological innovation within its economic agenda.
The restructuring of Sacks' role comes at a time of heightened political tension and policy challenges. The administration's focus on technology and economic security is unfolding against a backdrop of deepening congressional dysfunction and declining public trust in institutions. Furthermore, the strategic landscape is complicated by international pressures, including shifts in the balance of power in the Middle East as U.S. military campaigns face setbacks.
As a co-chair of PCAST, Sacks will help guide recommendations that could influence everything from research funding to regulatory standards. His transition from a specific, time-limited executive role to a senior advisory position suggests a maturing of the administration's approach to governing complex technological domains, even as it navigates a contentious political environment.
