Trump’s AI and Crypto Czar David Sacks Slams The New York Times for Sensationalist Reporting in 2025

• Why Is David Sacks Calling Out The New York Times?
• What Are the Alleged Conflicts of Interest?
• How Is Sacks Fighting Back?
• The Bigger Picture: Media Trust Under Fire
• FAQs

In a fiery critique, David Sacks—dubbed Trump’s czar for AI and cryptocurrencies—has accused The New York Times (NYT) of prioritizing sensationalism over factual reporting, particularly in its coverage of his alleged conflicts of interest. The controversy stems from a recent NYT article scrutinizing Sacks’ dual roles as a government advisor and venture capitalist, sparking a broader debate about media bias and journalistic integrity.

Why Is David Sacks Calling Out The New York Times?

David Sacks, a prominent Silicon Valley entrepreneur and advisor to the TRUMP administration, didn’t mince words when he took to social media platform X to lambast the NYT. His frustration centers on what he describes as a five-month-long smear campaign, where the newspaper allegedly ignored his rebuttals and continued pushing unsubstantiated claims. "Every time we disproved one accusation, they’d pivot to the next," Sacks wrote. "Today, they just gave up and published this nonsense."

The NYT’s latest piece highlighted Sacks’ ties to Craft Ventures, a venture capital firm he co-founded, and his holdings in AI and crypto-related investments—positions the paper suggested could benefit from policies he influences. Sacks, however, insists he’s complied with ethics guidelines, having divested over $200 million in crypto assets before joining the White House. "They’re twisting anecdotes to fit a headline," he argued, pointing to a letter from defamation law firm Clare Locke that he shared publicly to counter the NYT’s narrative.

What Are the Alleged Conflicts of Interest?

The NYT’s reporting zeroed in on Sacks’ financial disclosures, which revealed 708 tech investments—449 tied to AI and 20 to cryptocurrencies. While the article implied these holdings create ethical dilemmas, Sacks’ team clarified that he retained only illiquid "private equity stakes in digital asset firms," per ethics office approvals. Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren had previously raised concerns, but Sacks’ spokesperson, Jessica Hoffman, emphasized that his divestments aligned with federal requirements.

Critics, including Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong, rallied behind Sacks, calling the NYT’s approach "political propaganda masquerading as journalism." Armstrong even urged readers to cancel NYT subscriptions, calling it a "holiday gift" to loved ones.

How Is Sacks Fighting Back?

Sacks isn’t backing down. By enlisting Clare Locke—a firm known for high-profile defamation cases—he’s signaling a legal showdown. His X post included the firm’s cease-and-desist letter to the NYT, alleging deliberate distortion of facts. "Their reporters had marching orders to find conflicts, facts be damned," Sacks claimed. The letter details how the Times allegedly ignored evidence contradicting its narrative, such as Sacks’ divestments and ethics waivers.

The Bigger Picture: Media Trust Under Fire

This clash underscores growing skepticism toward mainstream media, especially in tech and crypto circles. Sacks’ supporters argue that outlets like the NYT prioritize outrage over nuance, eroding public trust. "Real journalism is invaluable, but this isn’t it," Armstrong tweeted. The debate also reflects broader tensions as governments grapple with regulating fast-evolving sectors like AI and crypto—where figures like Sacks straddle policymaking and private interests.

Data sources includeand.