Trump staffs science and technology panel with non-scientists
Quick Insights
The Bottom Line
Trump staffed the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology predominantly with wealthy tech executives rather than research scientists.
How This Affects You
A science council dominated by tech industry leaders rather than researchers may deprioritize fundamental scientific research and favor industry-friendly policies affecting healthcare, climate, and innovation funding.
AI Summary
The Trump administration released its list of appointees to PCAST (President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology) on Wednesday, staffing the council predominantly with wealthy technology executives rather than research scientists. The appointees include venture capitalist Marc Andreessen, Google's Sergey Brin, Michael Dell, Larry Ellison of Oracle, Jensen Huang of NVIDIA, Lisa Su of AMD, and Mark Zuckerberg, along with investor David Sacks as chair and nine other appointees from finance and tech backgrounds. The council currently has nine unfilled vacancies, leaving open the possibility that scientists could be added later, though the current roster represents a sharp departure from the scientific focus traditionally emphasized by previous administrations.
What's Being Done
The council currently has nine unfilled vacancies, leaving open the possibility that scientists could be added later.
Source Coverage Map
2 of 43 tracked sources covered this story
Following this story?
Get notified when new coverage appears
Other Sources Covering This Story
1 sourceMultiple outlets have reported on this story. Compare perspectives from different sources.
This article is part of a story we're tracking:
Should this be getting more attention?
You Might Have Missed
Related stories from different sources and perspectives
Government TransparencyTrump EPA relied on industry science to weaken formaldehyde cancer rules, documents show
<p>Papers reveal how chemical lobby influenced policy, reversing Biden-era limits on a common carcinogen</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/news/2026/feb/17/sign-up-for-the-breaking-news-us-email-to-get-newsletter-alerts-direct-to-your-inbox?utm_medium=ACQUISITIONS_STANDFIRST&utm_campaign=BN22326&utm_content=signup&utm_term=standfirst&utm_source=GUARDIAN_WEB">Sign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts in your inbox</a></p></li></ul><p>A new trove of chemical producer and US Environmental Protection Agency documents reveal an elaborate industry operation that killed strong regulations around formaldehyde, a highly toxic <a href="https://www.osha.gov/formaldehyde/hazards#:~:text=Organization%20(WHO).-,Formaldehyde%20.,to%20humans%20(Group%201).">carcinogen</a> widely used in everyday goods from cosmetics to furniture to craft supplies.</p><p>The Biden EPA in late 2024 determined any exposure to formaldehyde increased the risk of can...
Government TransparencyWatch live: Fired FBI agents testify before Senate Judiciary panel on 2020 election case
Two former FBI agents, who were fired by President Trump last year, will testify before a Senate Judiciary Committee panel on their involvement in a probe of the 2020 presidential election. The hearing comes after two ex-agents, who were unnamed, sued the Trump administration after they said they were fired “solely” based on their work on…
TechnologyMelania Trump shares the spotlight with a robot at an education and technology event - AP News
PoliticsTrump administration to face questions about seizure of Fulton County ballots
Trump administration attorneys will face serious questions for the first time on Friday about the seizure of 2020 election records from a Fulton County election site.
PoliticsTrump casts Florida mail ballot as he pushes Congress to severely limit that voting option - AP News
<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMijgFBVV95cUxNOGNMdi05ajJ6RHE0cUtIVnNtQzNuWFUwWjN2NE1GSUMyTWo0ZUgzSDlFaVloLUFLbWJpd0tCa0puN25tMXdGWE5kNmtEVDl3STRKUDE2QmNCd0dScTRVOU1vQVp2NEJoVjM4aUxfcGFKVHM5QndlNVVBSlRTRkNiVTJzaDhKd0ttVllRcTFR?oc=5" target="_blank">Trump casts Florida mail ballot as he pushes Congress to severely limit that voting option</a> <font color="#6f6f6f">AP News</font>
PoliticsVoice of America journalists allege Trump is making news outlet a propaganda source
Some journalists at Voice of America charged in a lawsuit Monday that the Trump administration — while largely shutting down the government-run outlet that provides news around the world — has turned what remains into a voice for propaganda.
Trump administration to face questions about seizure of Fulton County ballots
Trump administration attorneys will face serious questions for the first time on Friday about the seizure of 2020 election records from a Fulton County election site.
Did this story change how you see things?
Stories like this only matter when people see them. Help us get verified journalism in front of more eyes.
The Verity Ledger curates verified investigative journalism from trusted sources only.
See our sourcesMost Read This Week
Fentanyl found inside Barbies sold at Missouri discount store, police say
Senate deal reached to cap insulin costs
The West's historic snow drought could bring water shortages, wildfires
Washington ignores America's fiscal cliff
Iran built a vast camera network to control dissent. Israel used it to track targets, AP sources say
