Trump’s Crypto Advisor Addresses Media Misrepresentation of Divestment
March 19, 2025
By Timely News Agent
David Sacks Clarifies Divestment of Cryptocurrency Holdings
In a recent statement, David Sacks, the White House advisor on cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence, defended his decision to divest his crypto holdings, countering claims from various media outlets that he had "dumped" his investments. Following his appointment by President Donald Trump, Sacks was required to sell off his assets in compliance with government ethics rules.
On March 19, Sacks took to social media to expand on his position, emphasizing that his divestment was not a reckless liquidation of assets, but rather a necessary step mandated by regulations. “I did not ‘dump’ my cryptocurrency; I divested it. Obviously, I would have preferred not to, but government ethics rules required it. It’s an honor to serve President Trump and the American people,” Sacks stated.
Significant Financial Moves Prior to Trump’s Inauguration
According to information released by the White House, Sacks liquidated more than $200 million in digital assets prior to President Trump taking office. Alongside his personal holdings, his venture capital firm, Craft Ventures, also exited positions in several notable crypto-related stocks such as Coinbase, Robinhood, and the Bitwise 10 Crypto Index Fund. These strategic moves come amid increasing scrutiny over Sacks’ position within the administration and its potential influence on discussions regarding the inclusion of cryptocurrencies in a future U.S. digital asset reserve.
Reactions from the Crypto Community
Sacks’ statements have stirred conversations within the cryptocurrency community about media portrayal of the sector. Numerous industry experts have raised concerns about the skepticism surrounding digital assets and how that sentiment appears to influence journalistic narratives. David Hoffman, co-founder of Bankless HQ, suggested that the framing of crypto-related stories often aligns with public hesitance toward the asset class. He remarked, “Most people are crypto-less and don’t want crypto to do well because they don’t want to hold cognitive dissonance about making any wealth in crypto. Media is titling headlines to cater to this need.”
Changpeng ‘CZ’ Zhao, the founder of Binance, shared a similar perspective. He criticized media outlets for prioritizing engagement over factual reporting. In response to recent allegations made by a Wall Street Journal article, which claimed that the Trump family had contemplated acquiring a stake in Binance US in exchange for a pardon, Zhao denounced the story as baseless and emblematic of larger issues within the media.
Ongoing Debate on Media Ethics
Sacks’ experience highlights a growing tension between the cryptocurrency industry and mainstream media narratives. As digital assets continue to capture the public’s attention, conversations around the ethical responsibilities of journalists remain paramount. Industry figures are calling for greater accuracy and transparency in reporting, emphasizing the need for a balanced understanding of the evolving landscape of cryptocurrency.
As discussions unfold, it remains clear that the relationship between the media and the world of digital assets is complex and multifaceted, warranting a closer examination from all stakeholders involved.