Trump announces new tech policy team with key appointment in AI, digital assets and science policy

Donald Trump’s recent nominations to his tech policy team center around David Sacks as “AI and crypto czar,” with key appointments in artificial intelligence, digital assets, and science policy.

Key leadership appointments: Michael Kratsios, Trump’s former chief technology officer, has been nominated to lead the Office of Science and Technology Policy, pending Senate confirmation.

• Kratsios previously served as White House chief technology officer during Trump’s first term and briefly as acting undersecretary at the Department of Defense
• He currently serves as managing director at Scale AI and leads Trump’s tech policy transition team

Additional nominations: Trump has selected experienced tech industry professionals and former administration officials for key advisory roles.

• Dr. Lynne Parker, Trump’s former deputy CTO, is set to become Executive Director of the Presidential Council of Advisors for Science and Technology
• Bo Hines, a former college football player and unsuccessful Republican congressional candidate, will direct the Presidential Council of Advisers for Digital Assets
• Sriram Krishnan, who has held positions at Andreessen Horowitz, X, Meta, and Snap, will advise on AI policy within the OSTP

Silicon Valley connections: The appointments reveal strong ties between Trump’s proposed tech leadership and prominent industry figures.

• David Sacks, designated as “AI and crypto czar,” maintains a close relationship with Elon Musk
• Musk, who has been tasked with streamlining government operations through a proposed Department of Government Efficiency, recently influenced Congressional discussions by advocating against a US spending bill

Strategic implications: These appointments suggest a tech policy approach that blends Silicon Valley expertise with Trump administration veterans, potentially signaling a focus on cryptocurrency regulation and AI development while maintaining connections to influential tech industry leaders.