Trump's new tech council snubs Elon Musk but welcomes Zuckerberg and Brin
U.S. President Donald Trump has formed a new Science and Technology Advisory Council (PCAST) filled with prominent tech leaders. The group will advise on policies to keep America at the forefront of innovation. Notably absent from the list is Elon Musk, once a key ally of the president.
The council includes major figures like Mark Zuckerberg, Jensen Huang, Sergey Brin, Michael Dell, and Larry Ellison. Ellison, a long-time Trump supporter, has also been expanding his media influence with plans to acquire Warner Bros. Many tech executives have recently sought stronger ties with the White House.
Musk's exclusion follows a public rift with Trump in early June 2025. Their disagreement centred on a tax and spending bill, ending a period of close cooperation. Despite Musk's earlier $250 million contribution to Trump's campaign and his past advisory role, the two never fully reconciled. Other absent names include Apple CEO Tim Cook and OpenAI's Sam Altman. The panel's role is to shape recommendations on maintaining U.S. dominance in science and technology. Its members bring expertise from some of the world's most influential companies.
The new advisory council moves forward without Musk, whose past support and influence did not secure him a place. The group's recommendations will likely impact future tech and science policies under Trump's administration. Other high-profile absences suggest a selective approach to membership.
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