On March 26, 2026, venture capitalist David Sacks officially announced the end of his 130-day term as the specialized crypto and artificial intelligence (AI) lead for President Donald Trump. The former special government employee immediately transitioned to co-chair the President’s Council of Advisers on Science and Technology (PCAST), a federal committee composed of industry and academic experts that provides science and technology policy recommendations to the White House.
130-Day Term and Compliance Divestment
Sacks was appointed by President Trump in late 2025 as the so-called “crypto czar,” tasked with coordinating policy development across digital assets and AI. Under U.S. government regulations for special government employees, he was limited to 130 working days per year, and his term ended after reaching that cap. To comply with federal ethics standards, Sacks divested more than $200 million in digital asset-related holdings during his tenure, including positions in crypto funds and blockchain startups. He stated publicly that these actions were necessary to eliminate conflicts of interest and ensure impartiality in policymaking.
New Role at PCAST
In his new capacity as PCAST co-chair, Sacks will address a broader range of technology issues. “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,” Sacks told Bloomberg. He intends to continue advancing the administration’s new national AI framework while advocating for local infrastructure buildouts that maintain stable residential electricity rates—a move crucial for supporting AI data centers.
Impact on Crypto Policy and Market Reaction
Sacks’ departure comes amid legislative gridlock over the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act (CLARITY Act) in the U.S. Senate. The bill aims to clarify digital asset classification and regulatory authority but has stalled in the legislative process. Industry analysts suggest that Sacks leaving the crypto czar role could slow direct White House engagement on crypto legislation, though his PCAST position still allows him to influence tech policy indirectly. Market reaction was muted, with Bitcoin dipping 0.3% and Ethereum holding flat on the announcement day.
Background and Outlook
A prominent Silicon Valley investor, Sacks co-founded enterprise social network Yammer (acquired by Microsoft) and made early investments in companies like Uber and Palantir. His stance on cryptocurrency leans toward compliance-driven innovation—balancing investor protection with blockchain development. As the 2026 midterm elections approach, a new Congress may revisit digital asset legislation, and Sacks’ advisory role could serve as a key bridge between the industry and the executive branch.