Trump Targets Blockchain Policy Overhaul

President-elect Donald Trump is reportedly considering creating a dedicated “AI czar” position to coordinate federal policies and spearhead advancements in artificial intelligence (AI).

This potential move highlights Trump’s focus on maintaining the United States’ technological leadership.

Trump’s Intertwined Leadership in Crypto and AI

This role would focus on managing and coordinating federal AI policy, indicating a significant move towards centralizing AI governance in the US government. Sources suggest that Elon Musk, who already plays a significant role in Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), could heavily influence the selection. However, he is unlikely to assume the role directly.

The proposed AI czar would collaborate with agency artificial intelligence officers, a structure established by President Joe Biden’s executive order. The office would ensure the US stays at the forefront of AI innovation. It would also address critical challenges such as government efficiency and fraud prevention.

Further, the AI czar’s office would also guide private investments to expand the energy and computational resources required for artificial intelligence. These objectives align with Trump’s broader technological and economic ambitions, which prioritize deregulation and private-sector growth.

“Appointing an AI czar signals that the incoming administration is placing AI at the forefront of its agenda- and rightly so. As the lead for federal AI efforts, the Czar should focus on two key priorities to help fulfill the president-elect’s economic goals: accelerating adoption and safeguarding US competitiveness,” the Center for Data Innovation said in a statement.

It only came days after reports that Trump was also planning a parallel initiative in the digital asset sector with the appointment of a “crypto czar.” Chris Giancarlo, the former Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) chair, is a frontrunner for this role. Known as “Crypto Dad,” Giancarlo has championed blockchain adoption and led the Digital Dollar Project.

Other candidates under consideration include Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong and former Binance.US executive Brian Brooks. Trump’s team is also exploring combining the AI and crypto roles into a broader emerging technologies czar. Taken together, these developments reflect the interconnected potential of crypto and AI in reshaping the economy.

Crypto’s Regulatory Shift: Implications and Industry Reactions

In parallel, Trump’s crypto czar would lead regulatory reforms aimed at fostering innovation while providing clarity for the blockchain industry. Trump has promised a new regulatory council for digital assets, signaling a departure from the SEC’s (Securities and Exchange Commission) contentious stance under outgoing Chair Gary Gensler. Acquiring a stake in the crypto exchange Bakkt is also under discussion, potentially aligning Trump’s investments with his policy priorities.

Industry leaders see these appointments as pivotal. Cardano’s founder, Charles Hoskinson, praised the idea of a crypto czar but emphasized the need for a neutral figure who understands the unique potential of blockchain technologies.

“With respect to the idea of a Crypto-Czar at the White House, I feel the role needs to be filled with someone neutral, works with all protocols, and has a deep understanding of why crypto is special,” Hoskinson wrote.

However, concerns have been raised about potential conflicts of interest. Specifically, Musk’s involvement in shaping AI policies could benefit his companies, such as xAI.

In hindsight, the billionaire entrepreneur has a history of public feuds with rival CEOs such as OpenAI’s Sam Altman and Google’s Sundar Pichai. Some suggest he could capitalize on his relationship with Trump to favor his companies.

Nevertheless, by consolidating leadership in AI and crypto, Trump aims to position the US as a global powerhouse in emerging technologies. Whether these efforts achieve the desired balance between innovation and regulation will define their legacy in these transformative industries.