Donald Trump Names Sriram Krishnan as Senior Policy Advisor for AI
Incumbent President Donald Trump has confirmed reports that Sriram Krishnan, formerly a general partner at venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), will serve as a senior policy advisor for AI at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP).
Announcement Details
In a statement, President Trump highlighted that Krishnan will “help shape and coordinate AI policy across government, closely working with the president’s council of advisors on science and technology.” Krishnan echoed this sentiment in a post on X, stating he would be collaborating with David Sacks, the president’s newly appointed crypto and AI ‘czar.’
“I’m honored to be able to serve our country and ensure continued American leadership in AI,” Krishnan expressed. “Thank you, Donald Trump, for this opportunity.”
Background on Sriram Krishnan
Krishnan has a close professional relationship with Elon Musk. Together, they played a pivotal role in reconstructing Twitter (now X) after Musk’s acquisition of the platform in 2022. Musk co-leads the Department of Government Efficiency, a policy group advocating for government restructuring and federal spending reductions.
Some important announcements today by President Trump on his Tech Team! I look forward to working with:
— Michael Kratsios – Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), and an Assistant to the President for Science and Technology.
— Dr. Lynne… https://t.co/zai4a61VVC— David Sacks (@DavidSacks) December 22, 2024
Krishnan’s Career Trajectory
Krishnan joined a16z as a general partner in February 2021 and was tasked with leading the firm’s London office, marking a significant expansion to international operations. His role involved steering the growth and strategy of one of the world’s leading venture capital firms.
Views on AI and Social Media
Before his new role at the White House, Krishnan wrote an opinion piece in The New York Times discussing current AI trends and their impact on social media platforms. He emphasized the need for innovative technological solutions to enable smooth exchanges of value between websites and AI-powered chatbots like OpenAI’s ChatGPT.
According to Krishnan, “Some industry experts believe the solutions lie in legal actions or forming content alliances. As a technologist, my hope is that the answers lie in code rather than lawyers, fostering creative technology solutions to maintain an open internet.”
Conclusion
The appointment of Sriram Krishnan to a senior AI policy advisory role underscores Trump’s commitment to shaping American policy on artificial intelligence. With his background in technology and experience in reining in social media giants, Krishnan’s role could be instrumental in formulating a forward-looking AI strategy for the U.S.
As the tech landscape continues to evolve rapidly, Krishnan’s leadership will be closely watched by policymakers, industry insiders, and the public alike. His efforts to harmonize technological advancements with policy will be a crucial aspect of the administration’s tech agenda.
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