At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, David Sacks, the United States’ White House Artificial Intelligence and Crypto Czar, asserted that pessimism about artificial intelligence in American policy debates risks undermining the nation’s competitive edge.

Speaking during a public discussion with technology leaders, Sacks expressed concern that an overly cautious approach to AI — including calls for stringent regulations or moratoriums — could amount to a “self-inflicted injury” in the global technology race.

Sacks emphasized that while managing risks in artificial intelligence is important, the United States should focus on innovation and maintain confidence in the technology’s potential rather than succumbing to fear-based narratives.

He specifically pointed to proposals to slow expansion of data centers or impose fragmented state-level laws as examples of policies that could dampen American momentum.

He urged that Americans and Western allies adopt a more positive outlook as “more and more miraculous products come out,” suggesting that technological progress should be celebrated and harnessed to strengthen national competitiveness.

The Trump administration has pursued a deregulatory, pro-industry approach to AI policy, seeking to reduce barriers to AI growth and prevent a patchwork of state regulations that administrative officials argue could burden innovators.

Sacks’ comments at Davos align with this broader stance, reinforcing the message that optimism and a unified federal framework can help sustain U.S. leadership in AI. His remarks come amid broader debates among global leaders and industry executives about balancing innovation, safety, and economic opportunity in the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence.