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In a move that signals a pro-crypto direction for U.S. policy, President-elect Donald Trump's new top advisor on artificial intelligence (AI) and cryptocurrency, David Sacks - known for his outspoken support of Bitcoin - Sacks is championing the idea of separating money from state control.

Speaking on Anthony Pompliano's podcast, Sacks drew parallels between the historical separation of church and state and Bitcoin's potential to decouple money from governmental influence.

“The Church and state used to be intrinsically linked and combined. You couldn’t think about the two without them being together. Now, we think about them being separate. I think money and state are kind of like that,” Sacks said. “Bitcoin is sort of this sci-fi future where you could maybe have these two things decoupled.”

Sacks also highlighted Bitcoin’s ability to act as a hedge against fiat currency inflation and its resistance to censorship, making it a revolutionary financial tool.

A Positive Signal for the Crypto Industry

Sacks’ appointment as "AI and Crypto Czar" on December 5 was widely celebrated by cryptocurrency advocates and industry executives. His role will focus on establishing a clear regulatory framework for digital assets, a step that could boost innovation and adoption in the sector. Social media platforms were abuzz with praise, with many viewing the appointment as a major win for the industry.

Beyond his advisory role, Sacks is a notable investor in blockchain technology. He holds a significant position in Solana (SOL) and maintained his investment even after the collapse of FTX in 2022. Sacks has also backed crypto-focused venture capital firm Multicoin Capital and has been vocal about Solana’s potential to rival Ethereum.

In a 2021 episode of the All In podcast, Sacks remarked: “There’s a lot of people, I’d say, smart money in Silicon Valley, who are betting on a flipping where Solana could ultimately overtake Ethereum as the preferred platform.”

A Pro-Crypto Administration Taking Shape

Sacks’ appointment comes alongside other notable pro-crypto nominations, including hedge fund manager Scott Bessent as Treasury Secretary. Bessent has been a vocal advocate for the crypto economy, previously describing it as “a form of freedom” and affirming that “the crypto economy is here to stay.”

With these appointments, the incoming Trump administration appears poised to adopt a crypto-friendly stance, paving the way for innovation and regulatory clarity in the rapidly evolving digital asset space.

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