Tech Execs Dominate Trump's New Cabinet
As President Trump begins his second term, a number of big-name tech executives are assuming key roles in his administration.
The list includes some familiar faces from the tech world, as well as newcomers who will play important parts in shaping policy and overseeing government agencies.
Here's a breakdown of the Silicon Valley names expected to take part in the Trump administration:
Main Players
- Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has become one of President Trump's closest advisors. Despite not holding an official government role, Musk is set to run a new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) that aims to cut government spending.
Musk's appointment comes as no surprise, given his close ties to the President and his high-profile ventures in space exploration and clean energy.
The AI and Crypto Czar
- David Sacks, a member of the infamous "PayPal Mafia" and venture capitalist, has been named as Trump's pick for White House AI and crypto czar. Sacks will focus on making America the global leader in both areas.
Sacks' appointment is significant, given his experience in the tech industry and his close ties to President Trump.
Other Notable Appointments
- Emil Michael, a former Uber executive, has been named undersecretary of defense for research and engineering. He previously served as special assistant to the secretary of defense.
- Scott Kupor, a partner at Andreessen Horowitz, is set to become director of the office of personnel management.
Kupor's experience in venture capital and government policy will be valuable assets in his new role.
The Science and Tech Team
- Sriram Krishnan, a former partner at Andreessen Horowitz, is Trump's pick for senior policy advisor for artificial intelligence at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.
Michael Kratsios, managing director of Scale AI and a veteran of the first Trump administration, will oversee the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy as director and assistant to the president for science and technology.
The Diplomatic Corps
- Ken Howery, cofounder of PayPal and Founders Fund, has been tapped as ambassador to Denmark. This role will be crucial in securing Greenland's autonomous territory.
Jacob Helberg, a senior advisor to Palantir CEO Alex Karp, has been named undersecretary for economic growth, energy, and the environment at the U.S. State Department.
NASA and Space Exploration
- Jared Isaacman, a tech billionaire with close ties to Elon Musk and SpaceX, will take on the role of NASA administrator.
Isaacman's experience in space exploration will be valuable in his new position at NASA.
Healthcare and Competition Policy
- Jim O'Neill, a Silicon Valley investor close to Trump backer Peter Thiel, has been named deputy secretary for the Department of Health and Human Services. He previously served in government under President Bush.
Gail Slater, a veteran tech advisor, will become assistant attorney general for the antitrust division at the Department of Justice.
Antitrust Enforcement
- Gail Slater, in her new role as assistant attorney general for the antitrust division, will focus on enforcing competition laws that "facilitate, rather than stifle," innovation and entrepreneurship.
Slater's experience in government policy and tech regulation will be crucial in shaping antitrust enforcement.