Michael Kratsios

Michael Kratsios is an American civil servant and political scientist who has shaped U.S. technology policy across two presidential administrations. As of 2026, he serves as the Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and Science Advisor to the President, a role that places him at the center of national science and innovation strategy. His career spans venture capital, defense research, and high-level government service.

Kratsios is known for advancing American leadership in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, 5G, and STEM education. He has represented the United States at G7 and G20 technology ministerials and received the Department of Defense Distinguished Public Service Medal, the department's highest civilian honor. [edit]

Michael Kratsios grew up in Columbia, South Carolina, in a family of Greek heritage. His mother and grandfather immigrated from Greece, instilling in him a deep belief in the American dream and the power of innovation. He attended Princeton University, graduating in 2008 with a Bachelor of Arts in politics and a certificate in Hellenic studies. During his time there, he served as editor-in-chief of the student magazine Business Today and interned for U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham. He also spent time as a visiting scholar at Tsinghua University in Beijing, gaining early exposure to global technology and policy dynamics.

After Princeton, Kratsios worked as an analyst at Barclays Capital and the Lyford Group International. He then moved into venture capital, becoming chief financial officer of Clarium Capital Management and later a principal at Thiel Capital. He also served as chief of staff to entrepreneur and investor Peter Thiel, a role that gave him a front-row seat to the tech industry's most innovative companies. This period honed his understanding of both finance and emerging technologies, setting the stage for his transition into public service. [edit]

Kratsios entered government after Donald Trump's 2016 election, joining the transition team. He was appointed Deputy Chief Technology Officer of the United States in March 2017. In August 2019, after Senate confirmation, he became the fourth Chief Technology Officer of the United States, serving as President Trump's top technology advisor. He launched initiatives on AI, quantum computing, 5G, autonomous vehicles, and STEM education, and represented the U.S. at G7 and G20 digital economy meetings.

From July 2020 to January 2021, Kratsios also served as acting Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, overseeing DARPA, the Missile Defense Agency, and the department's $70 billion research portfolio. He received the Department of Defense Distinguished Public Service Medal for his work. After leaving government, he joined Scale AI as managing director and head of strategy in May 2021. In December 2024, President-elect Trump nominated him as Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy, and he was confirmed on March 25, 2025. [edit]

Kratsios is widely regarded as a key architect of U.S. technology policy during the Trump era. Media portrayals highlight his dual background in finance and government, as well as his close ties to Peter Thiel and the Silicon Valley investor class. He is seen as a steady hand in navigating complex policy challenges, from AI regulation to defense research. His public speaking emphasizes American competitiveness and the importance of technological sovereignty. He maintains a low personal profile but is active on LinkedIn, where he shares insights on innovation and policy. [edit]

Michael Kratsios occupies a unique space in the public consciousness, straddling the worlds of high-stakes government policy and Silicon Valley innovation. Unlike pop culture icons who cultivate adoring crowds with merchandise and meet-and-greets, his following is composed of policy wonks, tech industry leaders, and political analysts who track his every move regarding artificial intelligence and national security strategy. There is no formal name for this audience; they do not gather under a banner or chant slogans at rallies. Their engagement manifests through deep dives into his white papers, debates over his funding proposals, and careful readings of his testimony before Congress. While some might romanticize the idea of a "tech wizard" behind the scenes, the reality is far more grounded in bureaucratic influence and strategic planning. The narrative surrounding him is defined by professional milestones rather than viral moments or legendary anecdotes. He is the architect of significant shifts in federal research priorities, advocating for a future where corporate innovation drives scientific progress. His comments on AI-driven layoffs and his defense against allegations of grant interference have sparked serious discourse in financial and tech circles, but these remain matters of public record rather than folklore. The individuals who follow his work are there for the substance of his ideas, not the spectacle of his persona. Regarding his standing in the global hierarchy of fame, iFANN's Global Fame Engine has evaluated Michael Kratsios, but he does not currently hold a placement in the published rankings (Global Top 1,000 or a Top-100 scope list). This evaluation reflects the nature of his influence, which is concentrated within specialized sectors rather than the general public sphere.[edit]

Michael Kratsios holds the distinction of being the highest-ranking Greek American in the Trump administration, a fact that often highlights his role as a bridge between diverse communities and high-level decision-making. His academic pedigree is equally impressive, having won the Hellenic Studies Senior Thesis Prize at Princeton University before interning for Senator Lindsey Graham during his undergraduate years. His voice has frequently appeared in major publications including The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, WIRED, Bloomberg, Newsweek, and Fortune, where he dissects complex issues of technological sovereignty and defense research. A notable moment in his recent career occurred in August 2026 when he remarked that some companies use Artificial Intelligence as a convenient scapegoat for layoffs because the narrative plays better in the press. This comment drew immediate attention from financial and tech news outlets, sparking debate about corporate transparency. Earlier in July 2026, he faced scrutiny regarding alleged White House interference in National Science Foundation grants, a controversy he firmly denied while defending the integrity of federal funding decisions. These events underscore his role as a central figure in the ongoing evolution of American science policy.[edit]

Kratsios is of Greek descent; his mother and grandfather immigrated from Greece. He has spoken publicly about how their journey to the United States shaped his worldview. Details about his parents' names and occupations are not widely reported. He is not married and has no known children. He maintains a relatively private personal life, with little public information about siblings or extended family. [edit]

Kratsios has worked closely with President Donald Trump, serving as his top technology advisor in both the first and second administrations. He was chief of staff to venture capitalist Peter Thiel, who mentored him in the tech world. He also interned for U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham and worked alongside former White House official Chris Liddell. [edit]

Michael Kratsios keeps his personal life very private. There are no public records of any past or current romantic relationships. He is not known to have been married, engaged, or publicly linked to a partner. As of 2026, his relationship status is single. He has not commented on his dating life in interviews. [edit]

Per iFANN's editorial analysis, Michael Kratsios's net worth in 2026 stands at $5 Million. This accumulation of wealth is primarily attributed to his extensive tenure in the private sector, specifically his time as CFO of Clarium Capital and principal at Thiel Capital. His career trajectory also includes a significant leadership role at Scale AI, where compensation likely comprises a robust base salary alongside substantial equity packages. While government salaries for senior officials like the CTO and Acting Under Secretary typically range from $150,000 to $200,000 annually, these figures represent only a fraction of his overall financial portfolio. Kratsios has not publicly disclosed his specific assets or investment holdings, yet his path through venture capital and high-level technology roles suggests a steady and significant growth in personal wealth.[edit]

Kratsios received the Department of Defense Distinguished Public Service Medal, the highest civilian award from the DoD, for his service as Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering. He has not won other major industry or entertainment awards. [edit]