In a significant move, President Trump has selected key figures from the tech industry to join a new advisory council focused on artificial intelligence and other pressing issues, the White House announced on Wednesday. Among those appointed are Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta Platforms, Larry Ellison, Oracle’s Executive Chairman, and Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia.

The council, known as the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST), also includes Google co-founder Sergey Brin and AMD CEO Lisa Su. These appointments form part of an initial group of 13 industry leaders tasked with guiding the administration on science and technology matters.

President Trump has positioned the advancement of US capabilities in artificial intelligence as a cornerstone of his second-term agenda, viewing it as a pivotal area of strategic rivalry with China.

Shortly after his inauguration last January, Trump instructed federal agencies to develop an AI Action Plan. This plan aims to dismantle regulatory barriers and boost innovation within the private sector.

The council is set to play a crucial role in crafting the United States’ strategy in the face of growing international competition in AI. The body could eventually expand to include as many as 24 members, according to the White House.

This latest round of appointments indicates a strengthening relationship between the Trump administration and key technology firms. The White House has stated that more appointments to the council are forthcoming.

The council will be co-chaired by White House AI and crypto czar David Sacks and technology adviser Michael Kratsios.

Alphabet, Nvidia, AMD and Oracle did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Artificial intelligence has emerged as a major driver of US investment, with companies pledging trillions of dollars in spending over the coming years as the Trump administration pushes to accelerate the sector’s growth.