David Sacks Sells Cryptocurrency Holdings Before Taking Office as White House AI and Crypto Czar
Washington, D.C. – In a move aimed at ensuring transparency and avoiding conflicts of interest, David Sacks, recently appointed by President Donald Trump as the White House AI and Crypto Czar, confirmed on Tuesday that he has divested all of his cryptocurrency holdings prior to taking his official post.
Sacks, now responsible for overseeing regulations and policies surrounding digital assets, shared the details of his decision through a social media post on X (formerly known as Twitter). He disclosed that he sold his entire investments in notable cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Solana (SOL), before beginning his role in the Trump administration. Sacks emphasized, "I sold all my cryptocurrencies (including BTC, ETH, and SOL) before the administration began."
Commitment to Ethics and Transparency
The decision to liquidate these assets was made to eliminate any potential conflicts of interest that could arise from his position in the government. This proactive step highlights Sacks’ dedication to maintaining ethical standards as he steps into this influential role.
Despite his clear statements, Sacks faced speculation from some social media users suggesting he might still have indirect holdings in cryptocurrencies via Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs). In response to these claims, he firmly denied any such connections. "This community note is a lie. I had a $74k position in the Bitwise ETF which I sold on January 22. I do not have ‘large indirect holdings,’" he clarified, promising transparency throughout the ongoing ethics review process.
Market Reactions and Trump’s Strategic Reserve
Sacks’ announcement arrives at a pivotal moment for the cryptocurrency market, which has been gaining significant attention recently. On Sunday, President Trump made headlines with the unveiling of the digital assets intended to be included in the U.S. government’s newly established "Crypto Strategic Reserve." This announcement has led to notable shifts in the prices of various cryptocurrencies. Following Trump’s remarks, the prices of Bitcoin, Ether, XRP, Solana, and Cardano (ADA) experienced substantial gains.
In his recent executive order, dated January 2025, Trump emphasized his commitment to positioning the U.S. as the "Crypto Capital of the World." He highlighted Bitcoin and Ethereum as integral components of this strategic reserve. "I will make sure the U.S. is the Crypto Capital of the World. And, obviously, BTC and ETH, as other valuable cryptocurrencies, will be the heart of the Reserve. I also love Bitcoin and Ethereum!" Trump stated, underlining his support for these digital currencies.
The market reacted positively to these comments initially, with Bitcoin surging from $86,000 to nearly $93,000 by Sunday afternoon—a remarkable increase of around 8%. Other digital currencies like Ether, XRP, Solana, and ADA also recorded notable price boosts, with increases varying from 8% to 20%. However, this upward trend was short-lived, as the prices of Solana and Ethereum faced a downturn by Monday.
Looking Ahead
As David Sacks settles into his role as the White House AI and Crypto Czar, all eyes will be on how he navigates the regulatory landscape of the rapidly evolving cryptocurrency sector. His commitment to transparency and ethical governance will be crucial as the administration seeks to implement new policies and establish guidelines for digital assets amidst the growing market volatility.
For ongoing updates on cryptocurrency regulation and market developments, stay tuned.