Trump Assembles Tech Leaders – Zuckerberg, Brin, Huang – for Science & Tech Council

Donald Trump is reconstituting his President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST), tapping leaders from Meta, Nvidia, Oracle and Google, among others, in a move signaling a renewed focus on technology policy during his second term. The appointments, announced Wednesday, include Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison, and Google co-founder Sergey Brin. This represents a significant shift in approach compared to his first presidency, and a warming of relations with Silicon Valley.

The move comes as the U.S. Government increasingly views technological leadership as critical to national security and economic competitiveness. Trump, in establishing PCAST earlier this year via executive order, stated that maintaining “unquestioned and unchallenged global technological dominance” is a “national security imperative.” The council will advise the President on topics related to emerging technologies and their impact on the American workforce, aiming to ensure the U.S. Thrives in what the administration calls the “Golden Age of Innovation.”

A Consultative Body with Historical Roots

PCAST isn’t a new creation. Every president since Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1933 has established a similar advisory committee, bringing together scientists, engineers, and industry leaders. However, the composition and focus of the council often reflect the priorities of the current administration. This iteration, co-chaired by White House AI and crypto czar David Sacks and senior technology adviser Michael Kratsios, will specifically address the “opportunities and challenges” presented by technologies like artificial intelligence. The council can include up to 24 members, and the newly appointed group likewise includes Andreessen Horowitz co-founder Marc Andreessen, former Oracle CEO Safra Catz, Dell Technologies founder and CEO Michael Dell, and AMD CEO Lisa Su, among others.

Notably absent from the list are figures like Elon Musk and Sam Altman, who have been prominent in the AI debate. This omission underscores a deliberate strategy by Trump to align with established tech giants rather than potentially disruptive figures. The appointments are the latest sign of Trump’s growing engagement with Silicon Valley since returning to the White House, a marked contrast to his often-contentious relationship with the tech industry during his first term. Fortune reports that this shift has begun to draw political scrutiny, with recent polls suggesting Americans believe large tech companies wield too much influence in Washington.

The Business of Influence: What’s at Stake

The PCAST’s role is purely advisory. It prepares reports and recommendations at the President’s request, but lacks regulatory or enforcement powers. However, its influence stems from its ability to shape the administration’s thinking on critical technology issues. The council’s focus on the American workforce is particularly relevant given the potential for AI and automation to displace jobs. The administration aims to ensure that the benefits of technological advancements are broadly shared, and that the U.S. Maintains a competitive edge in key sectors.

For the appointed tech leaders, participation in PCAST offers a direct line of communication to the President and the opportunity to influence policy decisions that could significantly impact their businesses. Mark Zuckerberg, for example, stated he was “honored” to join the council and work with other leaders to help the U.S. Lead in AI. Reuters notes that this engagement could also serve to mitigate potential regulatory scrutiny of their companies. Meta, Nvidia, and Oracle all face ongoing challenges related to antitrust concerns, data privacy, and content moderation.

Competitive Positioning and Sector Dynamics

The inclusion of Nvidia’s Jensen Huang is particularly noteworthy given the company’s central role in the AI hardware market. Nvidia’s GPUs are essential for training and deploying AI models, and the company has seen its valuation soar in recent years. As of March 26, 2026, Nvidia’s market capitalization stands at approximately $2.8 trillion, making it one of the world’s most valuable companies. Oracle, under Ellison’s leadership, has also been investing heavily in cloud computing and AI infrastructure, positioning itself as a key player in the enterprise technology space. Meta, while facing challenges in the social media landscape, is also investing heavily in AI and the metaverse. POLITICO highlights that the appointments reflect a broader trend of the Trump administration seeking input from established tech leaders rather than emerging startups.

Potential Risks and Trade-offs

While the appointments are largely seen as a positive step for the tech industry, there are potential risks. Critics argue that the close ties between the administration and Silicon Valley could lead to policies that favor large tech companies at the expense of competition and innovation. Concerns about data privacy, antitrust enforcement, and the ethical implications of AI remain prominent. The council’s focus on “technological dominance” could also raise concerns about protectionism and trade tensions. The lack of representation from smaller companies and academic researchers could limit the diversity of perspectives considered by the council.

the political climate surrounding technology is increasingly polarized. Any perceived favoritism towards the tech industry could fuel further backlash from consumer advocacy groups and lawmakers concerned about the power of big tech. The administration will need to carefully navigate these challenges to ensure that its technology policies are seen as fair and equitable.

Looking Ahead: Procedural Steps and Potential Outcomes

The PCAST will begin its work immediately, with the first meeting scheduled for next month. The council will initially focus on developing recommendations for the President on AI policy, including issues related to workforce development, national security, and international competitiveness. The recommendations will be presented to the President in the form of reports and briefings. It’s anticipated that the council’s work will inform the administration’s upcoming legislative proposals on technology policy. The timing of any potential legislation remains uncertain, but it is likely to be a key focus of the administration in the coming months. The administration has indicated that it will prioritize policies that promote innovation, protect American jobs, and ensure U.S. Leadership in key technologies.