David Sacks, serving as the White House AI and crypto czar, is being asked by lawmakers whether he has exceeded the 130-day limit for a Special Government Employee. Senators request a day-by-day log and locations of work to determine potential ethics violations tied to his dual role with Craft Ventures.
-
Lawmakers request David Sacks’ work-day log to verify SGE limits.
-
Sen. Elizabeth Warren and colleagues seek locations and dates of Sacks’ White House work.
-
SGE rules allow 130 workdays per year; inquiries cite potential ethics concerns and overlaps with private investments.
David Sacks ethics inquiry: Lawmakers demand SGE work logs and locations; get the facts and next steps. Read COINOTAG’s report.
Has David Sacks overstayed his temporary White House post as a Special Government Employee?
David Sacks is under congressional scrutiny after lawmakers asked whether he exceeded the 130-day per year limit for a Special Government Employee. Sen. Elizabeth Warren and other members requested a day-by-day record of Sacks’ work and locations to assess possible ethics violations related to overlapping private interests.
What did the congressional letter ask David Sacks to provide?
The letter, signed by Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Sen. Bernie Sanders, Sen. Chris Van Hollen, Sen. Richard Blumenthal, and Rep. Rashida Tlaib, asked David Sacks to submit a detailed list of days he worked for the administration since his January appointment. The lawmakers requested locations of those activities—especially any work performed from Silicon Valley—and clarification on how Sacks tracked SGE days against the 130-day limit.
Why are ethics concerns raised about David Sacks’ dual role?
As the White House AI and crypto czar, David Sacks continued at Craft Ventures, a Silicon Valley investment firm with AI and crypto holdings, under the SGE exception. Critics argue that overlapping private investments and public policy influence create potential conflicts, especially while the administration advances new crypto rules and AI agreements.
What evidence and sources are cited in the inquiry?
Lawmakers referenced internal timelines and public reporting, including coverage by COINOTAG and a separate investigation by the New York Times, to support their request. These media reports highlight Sacks’ role in key administration actions and the proximity of his private business interests to policy outcomes. All external references are cited as plain text sources.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can a Special Government Employee serve per year?
A Special Government Employee is typically limited to 130 days of service to avoid long-term federal employment status; exceeding that threshold raises additional ethics and disclosure requirements.
What happens if the 130-day limit is exceeded?
If an SGE exceeds the allowed days, ethics officials may review the appointment, require recusal actions, or recommend other remedies depending on the nature of any conflicts.
Key Takeaways
- Inquiry focus: Lawmakers request Sacks’ daily logs and work locations to confirm SGE compliance.
- SGE limit: The 130-day rule is central to the ethics question and potential enforcement actions.
- Next steps: Sacks has two weeks to respond; lawmakers will use the record to determine whether further oversight is needed.
Comparative summary: SGE limits and examples
| Item | Allowed/Typical | Notable example |
|---|---|---|
| SGE annual workdays | 130 days | Used to permit temporary service while keeping outside work |
| Private business overlap | Permitted with disclosures | Raises ethics scrutiny when policy intersects investments |
Conclusion
This inquiry places David Sacks’ role as White House AI and crypto czar under formal scrutiny to verify compliance with the Special Government Employee 130-day limit and related ethics rules. Lawmakers seek transparency through a day-by-day account; the response will determine whether further oversight or remedies are warranted. COINOTAG will continue to monitor developments.
By COINOTAG · Published 2025-09-17 · Updated 2025-09-17
