Trump Taps Tech Titans for Revived Science and Technology Council
In a significant move that bridges the highest levels of government with the forefront of innovation, U.S. President Donald Trump has appointed 13 initial members from the crypto, blockchain, artificial intelligence, and broader technology sectors to his re-established Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST). The announcement, made by the White House in a Wednesday notice, fulfills an executive order signed in January 2025 to reconstitute the council, which will advise the President on a wide range of policies involving science, technology, education, and innovation.
The inaugural list of appointees includes some of the most influential figures in the global tech landscape. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, Coinbase co-founder Fred Ehrsam, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, and Oracle Chief Technology Officer Larry Ellison are among the first named. According to the White House, the council has the capacity to expand to up to 24 members, with additional appointments expected “in the near future.” The council will be co-chaired by David Sacks, the White House’s designated AI and crypto czar, and Michael Kratsios, who serves as the President’s science advisor.
Tech Leaders with Established Ties to the Administration
The selection of these specific executives is notable, as many have cultivated relationships with the Trump administration. For instance, Nvidia’s Jensen Huang has previously engaged with the President on matters such as export controls for advanced chips, a critical issue for the company’s global business. Similarly, Mark Zuckerberg was a guest at Trump’s private Mar-a-Lago club following the 2024 election and attended a White House dinner with other tech executives in September 2025, signaling a shift from the often-contentious relationship during Trump’s first term.
The council’s re-establishment under this executive order formalizes a direct channel for Silicon Valley and crypto industry leaders to influence federal policy. Its mandate spans from foundational scientific research to the deployment of emerging technologies like AI and digital assets, areas where the U.S. is in a global race for leadership.
Legislative Landscape for AI and Digital Assets
The council’s formation follows closely on the heels of the White House’s release of a national AI framework. That framework explicitly called on Congress to pass preemptive federal legislation to override a growing patchwork of state-level AI laws, positioning the administration as an advocate for a unified national approach. This push for federal preemption aligns with the council’s advisory role.
Simultaneously, the administration’s legislative priorities are focused elsewhere. President Trump has been vocal in pressuring congressional Republicans to pass the SAVE America Act, a bill requiring proof of citizenship for voter registration, stating on March 8 that he “will not sign other bills” until it passes. This stance has drawn attention away from other tech-related legislation.
Stalled Progress on Digital Asset Market Structure
While comprehensive federal legislation for digital assets—the CLARITY Act—passed the U.S. House of Representatives in July 2025, its path in the Senate has encountered significant hurdles. The Senate Agriculture Committee advanced its own version of a market structure bill in January 2026, a necessary step for addressing commodities regulations. However, a crucial markup session in the Senate Banking Committee, which would tackle the more complex implications for securities laws, was postponed after Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong publicly stated his company could not support the bill as written.
As of the latest notice, the Senate Banking Committee has not announced a rescheduled date for the markup. Key points of industry concern reportedly include provisions related to stablecoin yield and the bill’s overall scope. This legislative stall contrasts with the swift executive action taken to assemble an advisory body packed with industry leaders, highlighting the ongoing complex interplay between the executive branch, Congress, and the rapidly evolving tech and crypto sectors.
Source: Michael Kratsios
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