David Sacks has stepped down from his role leading U.S. AI and crypto policy after 130 days, the maximum permitted term. His tenure concluded without the passage of major expected legislation, such as the stalled Clarity Act or a formal AI framework, drawing criticism from market commentators over a lack of concrete regulatory outcomes.
The departure of David Sacks from his position as the U.S. government’s AI and crypto czar has drawn sector-wide scrutiny. Multiple commentators highlighted the absence of concrete regulatory outcomes during his 130-day special government employee term.
For example, the Clarity Act remains pending in Congress alongside any formal AI regulatory framework. Pseudonymous commentator Tuki described the period as seeing limited visible policy progress.
Tuki stated on social media, “the adults were in the room.. for 130 days.. and the room looks exactly the same as when they walked in.” Sacks has transitioned to an advisory role on the President’s Council of Advisers on Science & Technology.
He confirmed he will continue contributing to technology policy through that council. During his tenure, several early initiatives were launched, including an executive order prohibiting a central bank digital currency.
A White House crypto policy working group was also created alongside a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve. The bipartisan GENIUS Act for stablecoins passed in July 2025, and multiple SEC investigations were dropped.
Sacks notably called the defunding of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau his “personal favorite” action. The period also coincided with significant corrections in Bitcoin’s price following an earlier rally.
