Op-Ed: Bonnie Glick and Erik Bethel: David Sacks will power America's emerging technologies to new heights

David Sacks embodies the spirit of emerging technologists and innovators, consistent with the type of bold picks in his new administration.

President Donald Trump appointed investor and his longtime ally David Sacks as the administration’s Artificial Intelligence and Cryptocurrency “czar.” This new role underscores two key points: first, the critical importance of emerging technologies to the administration's agenda, as maintaining leadership in these areas is critical to staying ahead of China; and second, the lack of an existing position in Washington, D.C. that combines leadership over these two pivotal domains of competitiveness.

Under President Joe Biden, Washington has been largely disengaged on the critical fronts of AI and cryptocurrency. In October 2024, the Biden administration finally issued a lengthy memorandum on advancing U.S. leadership in AI. The document, spanning over 10,000 words, ultimately concludes with generalities including the obvious point that innovation in AI will rely on the private sector. Meanwhile, cryptocurrency has seen little proactive engagement, with the administration displaying limited understanding of the technology and facing internal resistance marked by strong opposition within Biden’s team.

Enter Donald Trump and his newly appointed czar, David Sacks. Sacks embodies the spirit of emerging technologists and innovators, consistent with the type of bold picks in his new administration. Much like Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, Sacks signals Trump’s belief that individuals with a track record of business success can bring much-needed efficiency and effectiveness to government.

The Biden administration itself inadvertently set the stage for this move, acknowledging in its own policies that the private sector holds the key to advancing America’s approach to emerging technologies. Now is the time for America to seize that insight and turn it into action!

David Sacks brings a refreshing perspective to Washington, rooted in industry rather than in the bureaucratic elite. His extensive experience as an entrepreneur and as an investor spans a wide range of industries, giving him unique insights into driving innovation and economic growth.

Sacks has played a pivotal role in the early stages of transformative companies like Uber, Facebook, PayPal, and SpaceX — brands that have become cornerstones of today’s economy and catalysts for the future. Notably, his close collaboration with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) leader Elon Musk highlights a proven partnership. Their shared vision and strong working relationship will now be harnessed to solidify America’s position as a global leader in technological innovation and competitiveness.

What does David Sacks's appointment to lead on emerging technologies signal to America’s adversaries? It means the future of critical science and technology will be guided by an experienced innovator rather than a committee.

The Chinese Communist Party no doubt took notice when Sacks was named czar — he is poised to explore how America can harness the most transformative technologies of the 21st century to strengthen national advantages across defense, energy, intelligence, communications, health, and finance.

Sacks will also assess whether and how government involvement can make a meaningful impact in ensuring the U.S. remains the global leader in innovation. Given his private-sector roots, it’s a safe bet that his approach will lean toward empowering innovation through reduced government interference, rather than increased regulation.

As authors with extensive experience across emerging technologies — spanning fintech, blockchain, semiconductors, big data, artificial intelligence, and defense innovations — we recognize that the moment to act is now.

America’s technological potential must be fully unleashed. It’s imperative to have a leader within government who can energize companies and investors, driving engagement and excitement for American innovations at every stage, from startup code to deployable assets. This is the blueprint for ushering in the next American Century, and David Sacks is the right person to navigate this course toward prosperity and power.

Bonnie Glick is an entrepreneur who served as President Trump’s Deputy Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development. She is a Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. Erik Bethel is a venture capitalist who served as President Trump’s Director at the World Bank. He serves as Senior Fellow at the U.S. Chamber of Digital Commerce.