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Trump Forms Science Council, Names Zuckerberg as Advisor

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  Published in Science and Technology on Wednesday, March 25th 2026 at 13:33 GMT by Deseret News
      Locale: UNITED STATES

Washington D.C. - March 25, 2026 - In a surprising move that has sent ripples through both the political and technological landscapes, former President Donald Trump today announced the formation of a new American Science Council and named Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg as a key advisor. The announcement, made during a rally in Florida, signals what Trump described as a "major pivot" toward prioritizing science and technology as cornerstones of a potential second term.

While Trump's first administration was often characterized by skepticism towards scientific consensus, particularly regarding climate change, today's announcement indicates a potential shift in strategy. The American Science Council, as outlined by Trump's campaign, aims to advise the president on all matters relating to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Its mandate will extend to areas including energy, space exploration, healthcare, artificial intelligence, and national security.

Beyond Zuckerberg, the council boasts a diverse - and notably high-profile - roster of appointees. Confirmed members include Dr. Anya Sharma, a leading geneticist known for her work on CRISPR technology; Dr. Kenji Tanaka, a robotics expert at MIT; Evelyn Reed, CEO of NovaTech Energy, a prominent fusion power research firm; and Admiral (Ret.) Grace Chen, a cybersecurity specialist with extensive experience in national defense.

The appointment of Mark Zuckerberg is perhaps the most immediately attention-grabbing aspect of this new initiative. Zuckerberg's Meta, formerly Facebook, has faced intense scrutiny in recent years regarding data privacy, misinformation, and its impact on societal discourse. Critics have pointed to these issues as reasons to question his suitability for advising on policy. However, Trump defended the appointment, stating, "Mark Zuckerberg is one of the most brilliant minds of our generation. He understands technology better than anyone, and that's exactly what we need to keep America ahead."

Analysts suggest Trump's motivation is multifaceted. On a purely pragmatic level, access to Zuckerberg's technological expertise and the resources of Meta could be invaluable for a range of policy goals, from combating foreign interference in elections to developing advanced defense systems. Furthermore, courting a figure like Zuckerberg could be a strategic play to soften the perception of Trump as anti-technology or out of touch with the digital age.

The formation of the council also comes amidst growing global competition in key technological areas. China, in particular, has made substantial investments in AI, quantum computing, and biotechnology, posing a significant challenge to American leadership. Trump repeatedly emphasized this competition during his announcement, vowing to "win the technology race" and restore America's dominance.

However, the council is not without potential challenges. Experts raise concerns about potential conflicts of interest, given the commercial interests of many appointees. Dr. Eleanor Vance, a policy analyst at the Center for Science and Democracy, commented, "While a council of this caliber has the potential to be highly effective, it's crucial that safeguards are in place to ensure that advice is driven by the public good, not by the bottom line of private companies." Transparency regarding meetings, data used in deliberations, and the council's ultimate recommendations will be paramount.

The council's first major task is expected to be a comprehensive review of current federal funding for scientific research. Trump indicated that he wants to identify areas where funding is being wasted and redirect resources towards "game-changing" technologies. This review is likely to be contentious, with various scientific communities vying for priority. Initial reports suggest a strong emphasis on projects with clear commercial applications and national security benefits.

The announcement has already ignited a debate about the appropriate role of technology companies in shaping public policy. Supporters argue that tech leaders possess invaluable insights that can inform effective decision-making. Detractors fear that undue influence from powerful corporations could lead to policies that prioritize profit over public welfare. The coming months will undoubtedly see intense scrutiny of the American Science Council and its impact on the future of American science and technology.