Ryan Baasch, top White House tech adviser, departs for private sector

David Sacks: David Sacks previously served as the White House AI and crypto czar. Baasch worked closely under him on key technology initiatives before Sacks's departure from the role. Sacks has publicly praised Baasch as a generational talent instrumental in advancing President Trump's AI dominance plans. Ryan Baasch: Ryan Baasch serves as Deputy Assistant to the President for Economic Policy and Deputy Director of the National Economic Council, with a focus on technology and AI policy. He previously acted as a top aide to former AI and crypto czar David Sacks and has led efforts on the White House's National Policy Framework for Artificial Intelligence while coordinating with agencies including the Justice Department and Federal Trade Commission on competition and consumer protection matters. Baasch is departing these roles at the end of the month to take a private-sector position. Kevin Hassett: Kevin Hassett is the Director of the National Economic Council, overseeing economic policy across tax, finance, technology, competition, and related areas. He has directly supervised Baasch's work on tech policy issues including AI, space, spectrum, and antitrust. Hassett has highlighted Baasch's contributions to the administration's priorities since the start of the current term. AI Policy Role: Baasch contributed significantly to developing the White House National Policy Framework for Artificial Intelligence during his tenure. Administration Turnover: Baasch's departure is part of broader staff changes in the Trump administration as it approaches the final midterm elections and last two years of the term.