David Sacks concluded his tenure as White House AI and Crypto Czar on 27 March 2026.
His tenure is marked by the passage of the Genius Act and White House approval for crypto in 401(k) retirement plans.
Appointed shortly after President Trump's 2025 inauguration, Sacks served as a 'special government employee.' This status allowed him to dedicate half his time to policy advising while maintaining his role at Craft Ventures.
Sacks also announced the initial 13 members of the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST), which he chairs alongside White House science policy director Michael Kratsios. The council, potentially expanding to 24 members, will advise on AI and emerging technology policy.
Market Impact and Industry Response
Crypto markets rallied throughout Sacks' tenure. Bitcoin, which surged past $100,000 following Trump's November 2024 election victory, reached $66,000 by March 27, 2026. Ethereum also climbed, reflecting investor confidence in regulatory clarity.
In a January 21, 2026, CNBC interview, Sacks outlined the administration's philosophy: "It's not up to the government to do the innovation. It's up to great entrepreneurs." Trump's AI executive order established national standards while prioritizing deregulation to spur private-sector innovation.
While Sacks' departure introduces short-term uncertainty, the embedded policy reforms, including stablecoin frameworks and market structure legislation, provide momentum for continued growth. The Genius Act funding and PCAST's ongoing work ensure continuity in the administration's tech-forward agenda.
Strategic Shift From Regulatory Resistance to Innovation
Appointed shortly after President Trump's 2025 inauguration, Sacks served as a 'special government employee,' a status allowing him to dedicate half his time to policy advising while maintaining his role at Craft Ventures.
Sacks, the ex-PayPal co-founder and venture capitalist, secured some policy wins, including the passage of the Genius Act and White House clearance to integrate crypto into 401(k) retirement plans. These moves could unlock trillions in institutional investment.
"POTUS declared that he wanted to make the US the crypto capital," Sacks stated in a 20 June 2025, White House video, referencing Trump's campaign directive. The administration's approach marked a sharp departure from the previous SEC enforcement-heavy strategy under Gary Gensler.