President-elect Donald Trump has announced critical appointments to his technology team, setting the stage for his administration’s focus on science, artificial intelligence, and digital assets. The appointments, revealed in a statement on December 22, include leaders for the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), the Presidential Council of Advisors for Science and Technology (PCAST), and a newly established “Crypto Council.”
Trump expressed his vision for the team, stating, “Together, we will unleash scientific breakthroughs, ensure America’s technological dominance, and usher in a Golden Age of American Innovation!” He named four key individuals to drive this agenda.
Michael Kratsios will be nominated as the director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) and will serve as an assistant to the president for science and technology. Kratsios previously served as the Federal chief technology officer (CTO) during Trump’s first term, following a unanimous Senate confirmation. He also held the position of acting under secretary of defense for research and engineering at the Pentagon.
Sriram Krishnan, who started his career at Microsoft as a founding member of Windows Azure, has been appointed as senior policy advisor for artificial intelligence at OSTP. Krishnan will collaborate with David Sacks, who Trump previously named his “White House A.I. & Crypto Czar.”
Lynne Parker will serve as the executive director of the Presidential Council of Advisors for Science and Technology (PCAST). Parker has a deep understanding of the White House’s technology initiatives, having previously served as the director of the National Artificial Intelligence Initiative Office and deputy CTO. She served in both Trump and Biden administrations and resigned in August 2022 after six years.
Finally, Bo Hines will be the executive director of the newly created Presidential Council of Advisers for Digital Assets, also known as the “Crypto Council.” This council, chaired by David Sacks, is envisioned as an advisory body composed of industry leaders. Trump stated that Hines would work with Sacks to foster growth and innovation in digital assets, ensuring industry leaders have the necessary resources for success.
David Sacks, in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, expressed his enthusiasm for the team, noting the “amazing talent that President Trump is attracting to his administration!”
