- David Sacks divested $200M in crypto to avoid conflicts before shaping U.S. policy as White House AI and crypto czar.
- His firm offloaded Bitcoin, Ethereum, and crypto stocks, ensuring an unbiased stance on the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve.
- Amid market volatility, Sacks’ pro-innovation stance opposes excessive crypto taxation, influencing future U.S. policies.
According to Documenting Bitcoin, White House crypto and AI czar David Sacks disposed of over $200 million worth of digital currencies and related stocks. This was done to resolve conflicts of interest before influencing U.S. crypto policy. A March 5 memo stated Sacks and his venture-capital company Craft Ventures sold Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and equities linked to crypto before Donald Trump took office.
Strategic Moves to Avoid Conflicts
The memo detailed that Sacks personally divested $85 million in digital assets. Additionally, Craft Ventures exited positions in Multichain Capital, Bitwise Asset Management, and Blockchain Capital. This strategic liquidation ensured Sacks had no direct financial stake in the policies he would help design. Consequently, his role in directing America’s Strategic Bitcoin Reserve remains unbiased.
Moreover, his firm offloaded assets in Coinbase and Robinhood, further reinforcing the ethical approach. This proactive measure aligns with federal conflict-of-interest guidelines and helps maintain credibility as Sacks spearheads regulatory reforms.
Market Implications and Political Reactions
The crypto market has been volatile since Trump’s inauguration. Bitcoin has hit a peak of $109,000 prior to plummeting below $80,000 in late February. Most experts attribute this drop to Trump’s impending tariffs and rate uncertainty. Bitcoin has, however, bounced back since that time to trade at $84,155.
Senator Elizabeth Warren questioned Sacks’ divestment timeline in a March 6 letter. She urged him to verify that he no longer holds digital assets. Additionally, Warren expressed concerns about whether associates of Sacks profited from insider knowledge. Her scrutiny underscores the political sensitivity surrounding crypto regulation.
Sacks’ Vision for Crypto Policies
Since taking office, Sacks has championed a fair regulatory framework. He advocates for a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and opposes excessive taxation on crypto transactions. Recently, he rejected a proposed 0.01% transaction tax, citing historical tax expansions as a warning.
His influence in the White House may shape future U.S. crypto policies. Besides regulatory clarity, Sacks’ involvement could enhance Bitcoin’s role in national reserves. Furthermore, his stance on taxation aligns with pro-innovation lawmakers pushing for a balanced crypto economy.
