Senator Warren Questions David Sacks’ Role
Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) has intensified scrutiny of David Sacks, the Trump administration’s point person on artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency, as she questions whether he has exceeded his designated term and possibly breached ethical guidelines. In a correspondence shared with Decrypt on Wednesday, Warren highlighted that, as a Special Government Employee, Sacks is limited to 130 working days annually in his role. She expressed concern that any attempt to prolong his tenure might raise significant ethical dilemmas both for him and the Trump administration, particularly in light of new regulation efforts concerning cryptocurrency.
Support from Fellow Legislators
Warren’s letter received backing from notable senators including Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Representative Rashida Tlaib (D-MI). In the letter, Warren has asked Sacks to submit a detailed account of the days he’s worked in any capacity for the Trump administration since January, along with information about his business activities—specifically in locations like Silicon Valley—within two weeks.
White House Silence and Ethical Concerns
The White House has not yet responded to inquiries from Decrypt regarding the matter. Since stepping into his role, Sacks has been able to maintain his position at Craft Ventures, a venture firm intricately involved in investments across AI and crypto sectors, while also influencing the administration’s policy direction in these fields. This type of arrangement is typically reserved for temporary employees within the White House.
Connections to Cryptocurrency and AI
The revelations around Sacks emerge shortly after the New York Times published a report linking business connections tied to the Trump family’s cryptocurrency platform, World Liberty Financial, to a significant new contract between the U.S. and the UAE involving AI chip technology. The report details Sacks’ pivotal role in facilitating this agreement, raising further questions about the intersection of private interests and public responsibilities.
Balancing Dual Roles
Sacks’ ability to balance his work between California and Washington D.C. effectively underscores the complexities of holding a part-time governmental role while engaging in significant industry activities in the rapidly evolving landscape of technology and finance.
