President Donald Trump has appointed former Attorney General Pam Bondi to the Presidential Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST), a high-level AI advisory body. The panel is co-chaired by David Sacks, the former White House AI and crypto czar and a prominent crypto advocate. Bondi's addition stacks the council with a mix of political allies and tech heavyweights.
PCAST's crypto connection
David Sacks, who co-chairs PCAST, has been a vocal proponent of digital assets since his time as the White House AI and crypto czar. His presence on the council gives the crypto industry a direct line to science and technology policy discussions. The panel advises the executive branch on emerging tech, including AI and potentially blockchain-related matters.
Bondi's background
Pam Bondi served as U.S. Attorney General under Trump until early 2025. She has no public background in science or technology, but her appointment signals the administration's preference for loyalists in key advisory roles. Bondi's legal and political experience could shape how PCAST approaches regulatory frameworks for AI and other technologies.
What PCAST does
The council convenes experts from industry, academia, and government to recommend policies on science, technology, and innovation. Its focus has shifted heavily toward AI under the current administration. With Bondi on board, the panel now includes former prosecutors, tech executives, and researchers — though critics question the lack of independent academic voices.
The first PCAST meeting with Bondi has not been scheduled yet. The council is expected to produce recommendations on AI safety standards and federal research priorities later this year. Whether Bondi's role will extend to crypto policy remains an open question — Sacks has said the panel would consider 'all emerging technologies.'
