Trump plans AI and crypto czars to lead tech policy

Donald Trump plans to appoint AI and crypto czars to centralize U.S. tech policy, boost innovation, and strengthen leadership in emerging technologies.

President-elect Donald Trump is reportedly planning to appoint an “AI czar” to centralize U.S. policy on artificial intelligence (AI) and strengthen the country’s leadership in this transformative technology. Alongside this, Trump is also considering creating a “crypto czar” role to guide blockchain and cryptocurrency regulation, signaling a dual focus on emerging technologies.

The AI czar would be tasked with overseeing federal AI policy, collaborating with agency officials, and driving innovation while addressing key challenges such as efficiency and fraud prevention. This move aligns with Trump’s broader goals of fostering technological growth and supporting private-sector investment. Elon Musk, a key player in Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), is expected to influence the selection process for this position, though he is unlikely to take on the role himself.

The AI czar’s office would not only coordinate government efforts but also encourage private investments to expand energy and computational infrastructure critical for AI advancements. According to the Center for Data Innovation, the role should focus on accelerating AI adoption and ensuring U.S. competitiveness in the global market.

Parallel to this, Trump’s administration is also exploring the appointment of a crypto czar to lead reforms in the digital asset sector. Frontrunners for the role include Chris Giancarlo, the former Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) chair known as “Crypto Dad,” and Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong. The crypto czar would oversee regulatory shifts aimed at encouraging innovation while providing clarity to the blockchain industry. This reflects Trump’s intent to move away from the SEC’s contentious approach under outgoing Chair Gary Gensler.

Industry leaders have expressed optimism about these plans. Charles Hoskinson, founder of Cardano, praised the idea of a crypto czar, emphasizing the need for a neutral leader with a deep understanding of blockchain’s unique potential. However, concerns about potential conflicts of interest have been raised, particularly regarding Musk’s influence in shaping AI policies, which could benefit his companies like xAI.

The administration is also considering merging the AI and crypto czar roles into a single position focused on emerging technologies. This combined role would reflect the interconnectedness of AI and blockchain in reshaping the economy and advancing innovation.

Trump’s plans include establishing a new regulatory council for digital assets, potentially reducing the SEC’s influence and creating a more innovation-friendly environment. Reports also suggest Trump may acquire a stake in the crypto exchange Bakkt, aligning his policies with his investments.

While these appointments could boost U.S. leadership in AI and crypto, they also highlight the challenges of balancing innovation with regulation. Critics have pointed to the risks of centralizing influence in figures like Musk, given his history of disputes with rivals and potential bias toward his own ventures.

Trump’s push to consolidate leadership in these sectors underscores his administration’s ambition to position the U.S. as a global leader in emerging technologies. The success of these efforts will depend on achieving a balance that fosters innovation while maintaining regulatory fairness. Whether these initiatives succeed will shape the legacy of Trump’s approach to AI and crypto governance.