Trump Forms Tech Council with Zuckerberg, Ellison

↑
↑

  //science-technology.news-articles.net/content/2 .. -forms-tech-council-with-zuckerberg-ellison.html
  Published in Science and Technology on Wednesday, March 25th 2026 at 13:04 GMT by Washington Examiner
      Locale: UNITED STATES

Palm Beach, Florida - March 25th, 2026 - Former President Donald Trump today announced the formation of a new Technology Council, placing Meta Platforms CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison in leadership positions. The move, unveiled in a press release this Wednesday, signals a concerted effort to re-engage with and potentially harness the power of the tech industry as Trump eyes future political endeavors.

The council, which also includes industry veterans Scott McNealy (former CEO of Sun Microsystems), Steve Milligan (long-time tech executive), and Harold Li (a noted venture capitalist), is framed by the Trump administration as a resource for navigating the "challenges and opportunities of the 21st century." However, the composition of the council - dominated by figures from some of the most powerful and controversial tech companies - immediately sparked debate about the potential for undue influence and the blurring lines between Silicon Valley and political power.

"I am thrilled to announce the creation of my Technology Council, a group of highly respected and accomplished individuals who share my vision for a safe, secure, and innovative digital future," Trump stated. The proclamation, delivered via social media and a simultaneous release to major news outlets, lacks specific details regarding the council's mandate or areas of focus, fueling speculation about its true purpose.

This isn't Trump's first foray into courting tech leaders. During his initial presidency, relationships were often fraught with tension, particularly concerning issues of data privacy, antitrust regulation, and content moderation. While Zuckerberg and Trump engaged in several high-profile meetings, the underlying disagreements regarding platform responsibility and the spread of misinformation remained largely unresolved. Ellison, known for his more conservative political leanings, was a vocal supporter of Trump throughout his first term.

Experts suggest this council represents a strategic shift. Rather than adversarial engagement, Trump appears to be attempting to co-opt the influence of these tech giants, potentially seeking their support for future campaigns, policy initiatives, or even the development of technologies aligned with his political objectives. The timing is also noteworthy, coming amidst increased scrutiny of big tech's power and a growing public awareness of the risks associated with unchecked technological advancement.

"The concentration of power within these few companies is already a significant concern," says Dr. Anya Sharma, a professor of digital policy at the University of California, Berkeley. "Now, to formalize an advisory relationship with a prominent political figure only amplifies those concerns. It raises serious questions about transparency, accountability, and the potential for policies to be shaped by the interests of a select few."

Critics point to the history of data breaches, privacy violations, and the spread of disinformation on platforms like Meta's Facebook and Instagram as reasons to be wary of such close collaboration. The potential for the council to influence decisions regarding cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and even election infrastructure is particularly alarming.

The council's formation also arrives during a period of escalating geopolitical tensions, with the United States increasingly competing with China for technological dominance. Some analysts believe Trump may see the council as a way to accelerate innovation and bolster American competitiveness in key areas like semiconductors, quantum computing, and artificial intelligence. However, even in this context, the lack of diversity within the council - dominated by leaders from established tech behemoths - raises concerns about stifling innovation and overlooking the contributions of smaller companies and startups.

The long-term implications of this Technology Council remain to be seen. Will it serve as a genuine advisory body, fostering constructive dialogue between the tech industry and political leaders? Or will it become a vehicle for consolidating power and furthering the agendas of a select few? The coming months will likely reveal the true nature of this partnership and its impact on the future of technology and democracy.