US President-elect Donald Trump has named Indian-American entrepreneur Sriram Krishnan as the senior policy adviser for artificial intelligence at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.
Krishnan will collaborate closely with Trump’s AI and crypto czar, David Sacks, to shape the nation’s AI policy. While the outgoing Biden administration focused on mitigating the risks associated with AI, Trump’s incoming government has emphasized AI’s potential for growth and innovation, viewing regulatory efforts as barriers for smaller tech firms.
Announcing the appointment, Trump expressed optimism about the role AI will play in his administration’s vision for technological advancement. “My tech policy team will unleash scientific breakthroughs, ensure America’s technological dominance, and usher in a Golden Age of American Innovation!” he declared on Truth Social. Trump added that Krishnan will work with the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology to ensure the United States maintains its leadership in AI.
Krishnan, 40, responded to the announcement by stating he was “honoured to be able to serve his country and ensure continued American leadership in AI.”
Born in Chennai, India, Krishnan earned his bachelor’s degree in technology from SRM University before beginning his career at Microsoft, where he contributed to the development of Windows Azure. His expertise grew through roles at Facebook, where he led mobile monetisation strategies, and at Snap and Twitter, where he further honed his skills in product development.
In 2020, Krishnan joined Andreessen Horowitz as a general partner, working with AI, consumer tech, and crypto firms. His role also involved collaborating with governments on AI policy. Notably, Krishnan has established strong connections with key figures in the Trump administration, including Marc Andreessen and Elon Musk, and has invested in Musk’s companies X and SpaceX.
Krishnan’s influence extends beyond AI, touching on immigration policies and entrepreneurship. While the Trump administration has taken a hardline stance on illegal immigration, the tech sector within Trump’s coalition advocates for continued legal immigration to sustain America’s technological edge.
Krishnan has publicly shared his views on supporting innovation, proposing measures such as creating startup visas, allowing H1B visa holders to start companies, and expediting green cards for technical professionals. In addition, he has called for clarity in crypto regulation and proposed the creation of a real-time payment system, drawing inspiration from India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI).
This appointment signals Trump’s intent to prioritize innovation and entrepreneurship in his upcoming term, with Krishnan positioned to play a pivotal role in shaping the administration’s AI and tech policies.