Trump Appoints Tech Leaders to PCAST for Federal Science Policy

Mar 26, 2026, 2:44 AM

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President Donald Trump has appointed 13 technology leaders to the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST), aiming to influence federal science and technology policy. The appointees include CEOs and co-founders from major technology firms such as AMD, Coinbase, Dell Technologies, Google, Meta, NVIDIA, and Oracle, reflecting a diverse representation from the tech sector.

The new council members include notable figures like Marc Andreessen, Sergey Brin, Safra Catz, Michael Dell, Jacob DeWitte, Fred Ehrsam, Larry Ellison, David Friedberg, Jensen Huang, John Martinis, Bob Mumgaard, Lisa Su, and Mark Zuckerberg.

PCAST was rechartered by Trump through an executive order on the first day of his second administration. This council, originally created by Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1933, has undergone various structural changes over the years, with its current form being established in 2001 during George W. Bush's presidency.

The council's primary focus will be on the opportunities and challenges posed by emerging technologies, especially artificial intelligence (AI), and how these developments can benefit American workers. Michael Kratsios, the Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, emphasized the council's role in maintaining US leadership during what he termed the "Golden Age of Innovation." David Sacks, the AI Czar, echoed this sentiment, noting that the council's initial members are among the most accomplished in their fields and will work to ensure US dominance in AI and other advanced technologies.

Under the new executive order, PCAST is tasked with meeting regularly and gathering insights from a wide range of stakeholders, including universities, the private sector, and state and local governments. It will also have the authority to form subcommittees to access classified information to provide informed advice. The executive order underscores the importance of promoting the American economy, the workforce, and national security.

While the White House has yet to announce a timeline for PCAST's first meeting or its initial policy recommendations, the establishment of this council signals a renewed commitment to science and technology as critical components of national policy.

The Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), which oversees PCAST, was created in 1976 to provide the President and the Executive Office with advice on the scientific and technological aspects of national policy. The OSTP Director, who co-chairs PCAST, plays a key role in coordinating federal science and technology efforts. This includes managing the federal research and development budget and ensuring that the country's technological advancements align with national priorities, such as economic competitiveness and security.

The appointment of these tech leaders is part of a broader strategy by the Trump administration to prioritize innovation and reduce regulatory constraints in the tech sector. This approach aims to position the United States as a global leader in emerging technologies like AI and digital financial technology.

In summary, Trump's rechartering of PCAST with a focus on influential technology executives reflects a strategic move to shape federal policies that support technological innovation and economic growth, ensuring that the US remains at the forefront of global advancements in science and technology.

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