In His Second Term, Trump Announces New Tech Policy Picks

In a series of Truth Social posts on Sunday, Donald Trump unveiled several appointments for his administration’s technology policy team. This group, which will operate under David Sacks, Trump’s designated “AI and crypto czar,” includes key figures set to shape tech policy during his term. Among the appointees is Michael Kratsios, who has been nominated to head the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), pending Senate approval.

Kratsios previously served as the White House chief technology officer during Trump’s first term and held a brief acting undersecretary position at the Department of Defense toward the end of that administration. Following his government service, Kratsios transitioned to the private sector, joining Scale AI as a managing director. During the current transition period, he has played a leading role in crafting Trump’s tech policy agenda.

Another notable appointee is Dr. Lynne Parker, who has been selected as the Executive Director of the Presidential Council of Advisors for Science and Technology. Dr. Parker, who served as Trump’s deputy chief technology officer during his earlier administration, is expected to provide strategic guidance on scientific and technological advancements.

Bo Hines, a former college football player and Republican congressional candidate, has been chosen to lead the Presidential Council of Advisers for Digital Assets, informally referred to as the “Crypto Council.” His role will involve steering policy and regulatory recommendations surrounding cryptocurrencies and blockchain technologies.

Sriram Krishnan, a veteran of Silicon Valley with experience at Andreessen Horowitz, X (formerly Twitter), Meta, and Snap, will take on an advisory role focused on artificial intelligence policy within the OSTP. His expertise is expected to bolster the administration’s approach to AI and its broader integration into government and industry.

David Sacks, who oversees this team, has strong ties to tech billionaire Elon Musk. Musk has been tasked by Trump to lead the forthcoming Department of Government Efficiency, a yet-to-be-established agency aimed at reducing bureaucratic inefficiencies. Recently, Musk’s vocal opposition to a proposed U.S. spending bill sparked significant political discord, highlighting his influence on both governmental and public discourse.

These appointments underscore Trump’s focus on leveraging tech industry expertise to navigate complex issues like artificial intelligence, digital assets, and broader science and technology policy. The team is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the administration’s vision for integrating emerging technologies into government functions while addressing challenges tied to regulation, innovation, and national security.

Through this lineup, Trump’s administration signals a commitment to aligning tech innovation with government priorities, placing seasoned professionals and industry insiders in key roles to guide these efforts.

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