A new Trump-era tech policy push is launching with the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) to address AI, crypto, and other emerging technologies, starting with a high-profile lineup that includes Mark Zuckerberg, Larry Ellison, Jensen Huang, and Sergey Brin, with plans to expand up to 24 members.

The council is co-chaired by David Sacks, the White House AI and crypto czar, and Michael Kratsios, a top technology adviser, signaling a governance model that blends industry heft with policy oversight.

PCAST’s stated mission is to explore opportunities and challenges from advancing technologies for the American workforce and to position the United States as a global leader in science and technology.

The coverage contrasts current U.S. AI policy with international peers, noting debates over supply-chain risk controls and OpenAI’s access to Defense Department programs under strict guardrails.

Market and industry observers are cautious, with substantial policy shifts expected only after months of deliberation and formal rulemaking.

Policy implications being contemplated include more federal funding for blockchain research, tighter regulatory coordination among agencies, and exploration into digital dollar or central bank digital currency research.

The article situates crypto regulation and tech policy within a broader 2025-2026 industry and legislative dynamic that could affect how rules evolve.

The move follows a Democratic inquiry into PCAST and the administration’s stance on science funding and DEI initiatives, highlighting tensions around these issues.

Public concern about Big Tech influence in Washington and fears about AI growth frame the political context surrounding the council’s formation.

Context notes touch on ongoing discussions about U.S. technology policy, historical appointments, and the tech industry’s influence on policy and the economy.

Separately, OpenAI is shutting down its Sora video-generation tool after a high-profile licensing deal with Disney, marking shifting strategic priorities in AI product development.

Campaign finance activity in Illinois includes significant ad spending aimed at supporting a candidate, with crypto-affiliated PACs attempting to shape the race.