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Trump Forms Tech Council, Signals Shift in Strategy

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  Published in Science and Technology on Wednesday, March 25th 2026 at 13:36 GMT by Fortune
      Locale: UNITED STATES

West Palm Beach, FL - March 25th, 2026 - Former President Donald Trump today announced the formation of a new Technology Advisory Council, a move widely interpreted as a strategic recalibration of his relationship with the tech industry. The council's composition, featuring Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, and Oracle Chairman Larry Ellison, sends a clear message: the former president is prioritizing engagement with established tech giants actively shaping the current AI boom and cloud computing infrastructure. The conspicuous exclusion of Elon Musk and OpenAI's Sam Altman, however, has ignited speculation about a potential ideological divide and a shifting assessment of risk within the technological sphere.

This announcement marks a departure from Trump's previous, often adversarial, interactions with tech leaders. During his first term, he frequently clashed with Musk, particularly regarding Twitter (now X) and Tesla's regulatory challenges. He also voiced public concerns about the rapid development of AI, specifically focusing on OpenAI's models and their potential implications for national security and employment. The inclusion of Zuckerberg, Huang, and Ellison, while all prominent figures, represents companies that, though not without regulatory scrutiny themselves, have largely operated within established frameworks and demonstrated a willingness to engage in policy discussions.

Sources close to the Trump campaign suggest the decision to omit Musk and Altman wasn't simply a matter of past disagreements. A senior advisor, speaking on background, stated that the former president believes these two individuals represent a degree of "unfettered innovation" that, while potentially groundbreaking, lacks the necessary consideration for potential societal disruption. "The President is concerned about responsible AI development," the advisor explained. "He wants to ensure technological advancement benefits all Americans, and that requires a measured approach guided by seasoned leaders with a clear understanding of established regulations and risks."

The timing of this council's formation is particularly noteworthy. The AI landscape is undergoing a period of rapid transformation. Nvidia, under Huang's leadership, is the dominant force in AI chip manufacturing, powering the vast majority of AI models currently in development. Meta, with Zuckerberg at the helm, is heavily investing in the metaverse and AI-powered content creation, aiming to redefine social interaction and digital experiences. Oracle, led by Ellison, continues to be a critical provider of cloud infrastructure and database solutions, essential for scaling AI applications.

Analysts predict the council will focus on three core areas: strengthening national cybersecurity defenses, fostering responsible AI development with an emphasis on domestic competition, and establishing clear data privacy standards. The focus on cybersecurity comes after a series of high-profile ransomware attacks targeting critical infrastructure in late 2025, prompting calls for increased public-private collaboration. The council is expected to recommend policies aimed at bolstering cyber defenses and protecting sensitive data.

Furthermore, the council's recommendations regarding AI are anticipated to prioritize American leadership in the field. Trump has repeatedly emphasized the need to "win" the AI race, and sources indicate the council will explore strategies to incentivize domestic AI research and development, attract top AI talent, and ensure the U.S. maintains a competitive edge over countries like China. The question of AI ethics, a contentious issue debated extensively in recent years, will also likely be a key focus, with the council expected to propose guidelines for mitigating bias and ensuring fairness in AI algorithms.

The absence of Elon Musk, a vocal advocate for open-source AI and rapid technological advancement, and Sam Altman, a key figure in the development of potentially disruptive AI technologies like GPT-5, raises questions about their future relationship with a potential second Trump administration. While both have previously engaged with the former president, their differing visions for the future of technology appear to have created an insurmountable gap. It's possible this signals a deeper ideological split, with Trump aligning himself with the more cautious and regulated approach of Zuckerberg, Huang, and Ellison.

As the 2026 election cycle intensifies, the Technology Advisory Council is poised to play a critical role in shaping Trump's platform on technology issues. The composition of the council clearly indicates a strategic focus on harnessing the power of established AI and cloud computing giants, while potentially sidelining those who champion a more radical and unconstrained vision for technological innovation. The coming months will reveal the specific recommendations of the council and how those recommendations influence the direction of technology policy in the United States.