White House AI policy adviser Krishnan to leave position

Sriram Krishnan, a top White House artificial intelligence policy advisor, announced on Saturday that he will leave his position at the end of June. In a post on X, Krishnan described the experience as ‘the privilege of a lifetime’ and stated his intention to help tackle major AI challenges facing America. Krishnan’s departure comes amid evolving U.S. policy on AI, including discussions about government investments in AI firms. President Trump has expressed interest in acquiring stakes in AI companies, framing it as a partnership with the public. He also plans to meet with AI executives next week, though his administration has faced internal security concerns over AI risks. The Pentagon previously blacklisted Anthropic, a leading AI firm, after it refused to allow military use of its models for domestic surveillance and autonomous weapons. Tensions eased following a White House meeting with Anthropic’s CEO, which is preparing for a public offering. The administration has since directed federal agencies to request voluntary submissions of advanced AI models for cybersecurity testing before public release. Critics within Trump’s circle warn that AI poses political risks, particularly due to backlash over proposed data center developments. During his State of the Union address in February, Trump urged tech companies to build their own power plants to support AI operations, a proposal later endorsed by industry leaders. Krishnan’s exit marks a shift in the White House’s AI strategy, as the administration balances regulatory oversight with fostering innovation. His departure leaves unresolved questions about the future of U.S. AI policy under the current administration.