David Sacks is done as AI czar — here’s what he’s doing instead

David Sacks has concluded his 130-day tenure as Donald Trump’s AI and crypto czar and is transitioning to co-chair the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) alongside Michael Kratsios. While his previous role gave him direct influence over AI policy, his new position on PCAST is advisory, focusing on a broader range of technology issues including AI, advanced semiconductors, quantum computing, and nuclear power. The council, known for its high-profile membership including tech billionaires like Jensen Huang, Mark Zuckerberg, and Sergey Brin, will prioritize advancing Trump’s recently released national AI framework aimed at streamlining the currently fragmented state-level regulations. Despite the prominence of its members, PCAST’s influence varies by administration, with past councils producing varying degrees of policy impact. Sacks acknowledged that his podcast comments urging Trump to seek an exit from the U.S.-backed war with Iran were personal views and not official policy statements. Now stepping back from direct government influence,