
Slate Daily Feed What Next: TBD | Tech, power, and the future - The AI & Crypto Czar’s Conflicts
Dec 5, 2025
Ryan Mac, an investigative reporter for The New York Times, digs deep into the multifaceted role of David Sachs in the tech and political arenas. Mac highlights Sachs's significant stake in crypto firm BitGo and his influence in shaping U.S. AI and crypto policies. Their discussion uncovers potential conflicts of interest stemming from Sachs's retained business investments while advising the White House. They also explore Sachs's political evolution and the administration's push for deregulation in AI, raising questions about the implications for future tech policies.
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Sachs’ Silicon Valley Trajectory
- David Sachs rose from the PayPal-era 'mafia' to found Yammer and Kraft Ventures and became a public influencer via the All In podcast.
- His Silicon Valley network and podcast amplified his political influence leading into 2024.
Venture Focus Shifted Toward AI And Defense
- Kraft Ventures focused on B2B SaaS but expanded into defense tech, crypto, and AI as markets shifted.
- Sachs' investments reflect a pivot toward sectors that can benefit from favorable government policy.
White House Role To 'Unleash' Tech
- Sachs' White House role is a part-time special government employee tasked to make the U.S. 'win' in AI and crypto.
- The position aims to reduce regulation and actively support industry expansion.




