Key Points:

• Initially announced as Trump’s “AI and Crypto Czar,” David Sacks’ role has been scaled back to an advisory position.
• Sacks opted not to divest from his investment firm or pursue a full-time government role, avoiding the formal confirmation process.

David Sacks, the South African-born venture capitalist and former PayPal executive, was announced as the Trump administration’s “AI and Crypto Czar,” a leadership role within the newly formed Presidential Council of Advisors for Science and Technology. However, Fortune reports that his role has been significantly scaled back.

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AI and Crypto Czar’s Role Scaled Back in the Trump Administration

Originally anticipated to spearhead tech and crypto policy, Sacks will play a general advisory role. Lined up to lead the technology policy effort is former Trump administration Chief Technology Officer Michael Kratsios. The current Scale AI employee oversaw the transition’s all-of-government technology policy team along with Gale Slater, concentrating on tech, telecom, and antitrust issues.

That partial recasting of the role of AI and Crypto Czar is partly a reflection of his decision not to divest from his investment firm, Craft Ventures, or to commit to a full-time government role.

The former would entail Senate confirmation, a process to which he has preferred not to submit. Instead, Sacks could be labelled a “special government employee,” whereby he can maintain his private sector involvement while advising on policy matters.

Sacks to Maintain Influence Despite Reduced Responsibilities

With these new responsibilities, Sacks is predicted to remain influential in the Administration owing to his close relationship with Trump and influence in the tech and political worlds. Since the election, Sacks has spent time commuting between Florida, including at Mar-a-Lago and in San Francisco, and has taken meetings with lawmakers such as Rand Paul.