The Senate on Tuesday afternoon easily confirmed Michael Kratsios to lead the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.
Lawmakers voted 74-25 for Kratsios, with several Democrats crossing the aisle to support President Donald Trump’s pick. The nominee similarly cleared committee on a bipartisan basis.
Kratsios served as chief technology officer during the first Trump administration with a focus on artificial intelligence, which is even more of a government focus this time around. The Princeton graduate also spent some time at the Pentagon.
During his confirmation hearing in February, Kratsios spoke about a “free-market approach to scientific discovery” and “removing barriers to innovation.” He defended cuts at the National Science Foundation and other agencies.
