Trump Appoints Sriram Krishnan as Senior AI Policy Advisor
In a move that underscores the growing importance of artificial intelligence in government policy, incoming President Donald Trump has announced the appointment of Sriram Krishnan as Senior Policy Advisor for AI in the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. Krishnan, who recently served as a general partner at notable venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), will be tasked with shaping and coordinating AI policy across the U.S. government.
A New Role with Big Responsibilities
In a statement confirming the appointment, Trump remarked that Krishnan would work closely with the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology, emphasizing the strategic role AI will play under his administration. Krishnan has expressed enthusiasm for his new position, stating, “I’m honored to be able to serve our country and ensure continued American leadership in AI.”
He will collaborate with David Sacks, the former COO of PayPal, who has been dubbed the crypto and AI ‘czar’ in Trump’s tech team. This partnership sets the stage for a united front in navigating the complexities of AI development and regulation within the context of U.S. governance.
Sriram Krishnan: A Profile of Experience
Krishnan is not new to the tech scene; he has an impressive background that includes leading product teams at influential companies like Microsoft, Twitter, and Facebook. Alongside his wife, Aarthi Ramamurthy, he gained visibility as co-hosts of “The Aarthi and Sriram Show,” showcasing a blend of tech insights and personal anecdotes.
Krishnan’s career took a notable turn in 2021 when he was appointed as a general partner at a16z and, just two years later, he moved to lead the firm’s pioneering London office. However, his journey with a16z concluded in late November, setting the stage for this new chapter in public service.
Advocacy for Open AI Ecosystems
Beyond his corporate experience, Krishnan has been vocal about key issues facing the AI landscape. In an insightful opinion piece in The New York Times, he advocated for innovative approaches to how AI models engage with existing internet platforms. “Large internet sites are fighting back against AI models with the internet equivalent of raising the castle drawbridge,” he noted, calling for a technological solution rather than legal battles.
His vision for a collaborative rather than combative relationship between AI technologies and established web platforms could influence future policy debates, making him a pivotal figure in the coming years.
Collaborating with Influential Tech Leaders
In addition to working with Trump’s administration, Krishnan has a history of collaborating with high-profile figures in tech, including Elon Musk. Their collective efforts to revitalize Twitter (now known as X) post-acquisition in 2022 underline the intersection of policy and practical tech applications that Krishnan represents.
Conclusion
Sriram Krishnan’s appointment as Senior AI Policy Advisor marks a significant step for the Trump administration as it prepares to tackle the complexities of emerging technologies. With a wealth of experience and a forward-thinking approach, Krishnan is poised to influence the future of AI governance in the U.S.
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