White House AI and Crypto Czar David Sacks has recently dismissed widespread fears that artificial intelligence will lead to mass layoffs, arguing that AI's role in the workforce will be more symbiotic than destructive. Sacks, appointed as the AI and Crypto Czar by President Trump, believes that AI requires significant human input to generate value and will ultimately create new job roles.
Sacks's comments come at a time when concerns about AI-driven unemployment have been amplified across various sectors. Anecdotal evidence and some studies suggest that AI is already contributing to job displacement, with roles in software engineering, translation, and even journalism being impacted. Posts on social media platforms, like X, highlight instances of professionals shifting to gig work as AI tools encroach on traditional white-collar positions.
Despite these concerns, Sacks draws on historical parallels to support his optimistic outlook. He argues that previous technological revolutions, such as the industrial revolution, led to net job gains despite initial disruptions. He envisions AI handling repetitive tasks, or "middle tasks," freeing up human workers to focus on strategy, creativity, and oversight. This viewpoint aligns with analyses from AInvest, which highlights AI's potential to enhance efficiency without causing mass displacement.
Sacks's perspective contrasts with warnings from other prominent figures, such as OpenAI's Sam Altman, who have cautioned about potentially transformative economic shifts due to AI. However, Sacks contends that AI's dependence on human prompting, verification, and iteration will prevent it from unilaterally eliminating jobs. He also points to the fact that AI models are in competition with each other and are constantly being updated and improved. For example, he notes that GPT-4 has replaced GPT-3 in large language models.
Speaking at the Amazon Web Services Summit in Washington, D.C. in June 2025, Sacks stated his belief that AI will not lead to a "giant wave of unemployment" but will instead make workers more productive. He also addressed the concern that AI could wipe out entry-level white-collar jobs, stating that he doesn't believe there will be 20% unemployment.
Sacks's stance reflects a broader emphasis on innovation and industry collaboration in the approach to AI regulation. His appointment as AI Czar signals a commitment to minimizing barriers for startups and fostering the development of new AI tools. However, this approach also raises questions about data privacy and ethical considerations, requiring careful attention to ensure responsible AI implementation.
Ultimately, Sacks emphasizes the importance of preparation and upskilling to navigate the changing job market. By adapting to new technologies and acquiring relevant skills, workers can position themselves to thrive in an AI-driven economy.
