White House taps crypto titans Andreessen and Ehrsam for key tech council

The White House has named the first 13 members of the President's Council on Science and Technology (PCAST). The group includes prominent figures from the tech and crypto industries. Among them are Marc Andreessen, co-founder of venture firm a16z, and Fred Ehrsam, co-founder of Coinbase.

The announcement comes as Bitcoin's price dips below $67,000, adding weight to discussions around crypto regulation. Andreessen has long been a vocal supporter of Bitcoin and blockchain technology. His 2014 essay Why Bitcoin Matters positioned digital assets as a key part of the internet's future. He later championed Ethereum and Web3 as foundational to the next wave of online innovation.

Ehrsam, meanwhile, played a central role in building Coinbase into one of the largest crypto exchanges. As an early-stage investor, he has backed numerous projects in the digital asset space. Both men now join a council that advises on competitiveness, innovation, and financial infrastructure.

The PCAST will be co-chaired by David Sacks, a former U.S. Chief Technology Officer. Other members include tech leaders like Nvidia's Jensen Huang, Meta's Mark Zuckerberg, Google's Sergey Brin, Oracle's Larry Ellison, and AMD's Lisa Su. Their involvement suggests a growing focus on technology and digital assets in policy discussions.

The council's work could lead to clearer regulations for exchanges and stablecoins. It may also foster a more supportive environment for U.S.-based crypto infrastructure. The inclusion of crypto advocates like Andreessen and Ehrsam signals a shift in how digital assets are viewed in Washington. Their presence on the PCAST could influence future policy decisions.

With Bitcoin's price under pressure, the council's recommendations may shape how the U.S. regulates and integrates crypto into its financial systems.