Donald Trump has appointed several prominent Silicon Valley figures to the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST), a body that helps guide U.S. policy on innovation and emerging technologies.
The new members include Mark Zuckerberg, Jensen Huang, Larry Ellison, and Marc Andreessen—all influential figures in the tech industry. The council is expected to play a key role in shaping decisions around artificial intelligence development and regulation.
PCAST will be led by David Sacks and Michael Kratsios, reflecting the administration’s push to align policy more closely with industry leadership.
The appointments signal a broader strategy to increase the role of private sector expertise in AI governance, with a focus on accelerating innovation and maintaining competitiveness with countries like China. Trump has emphasized the need for unified federal regulation, aiming to streamline rules across states and reduce barriers for tech development.
At the same time, the political stakes around AI are rising. Pro-technology groups linked to Trump allies are reportedly planning to spend over $100 million in the 2026 elections, backing candidates who support deregulation and oppose stricter oversight of AI systems.
Critics argue that the new council composition includes fewer independent scientists and more individuals with strong corporate and political ties, raising concerns about balance and potential conflicts of interest in shaping future AI policy.
via politico & fox