CES 2026 to Feature Top Trump Administration Tech Policy Leaders and Record-Breaking Keynote Lineup
White House Science Advisor, FCC and FTC Chairs Among Confirmed Government Speakers
The Consumer Technology Association (CTA) has announced that key technology policy officials from the Trump administration's second term will participate in CES 2026, taking place in Las Vegas this January.
The confirmed speaker roster includes Presidential Science & Technology Advisor Michael Kratsios, FCC Chair Brendan Carr, FTC Chair Andrew Ferguson, Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg, Under Secretary for Science Dr. Darío Gil, Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade William Kimmitt, and Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services Jim O'Neill.
AI and Semiconductor Policy Direction to Be Unveiled
Kratsios will deliver a keynote session titled "America's AI Future" at the newly established CES Foundry stage on January 7 at 11:30 a.m. PST, alongside CTA President Kinsey Fabrizio. Having served as Chief Technology Officer during Trump's first administration, Kratsios is expected to outline the administration's AI policy framework in detail.
Under Secretary Helberg will take the Great Minds stage on January 8 at 1:00 p.m. PST to discuss U.S. competitiveness strategy at the intersection of technology, security, and statecraft, covering topics including AI, semiconductors, and China policy.
FCC and FTC Chairs to Discuss Regulatory Direction
FCC Chair Carr and FTC Chair Ferguson will participate in fireside chats with CTA CEO Gary Shapiro as part of the "Conversation with a Commissioner" series beginning January 8 at 11:00 a.m. PST. Both chairs, appointed with the launch of the second Trump administration, are expected to signal a regulatory approach distinct from the Biden era.
Additionally, Deputy Secretary O'Neill will address digital healthcare policy on January 6, Under Secretary Gil will discuss key technology research initiatives at the Department of Energy, and Under Secretary Kimmitt will cover trade policy and U.S. global leadership.
Record-Breaking Corporate Keynote Lineup United by AI Theme
Alongside the policy sessions, CES 2026 boasts an unprecedented keynote lineup with AI as the common thread.
Dr. Lisa Su, Chair and CEO of AMD, will deliver the opening keynote on January 5 at 6:30 p.m. PST in the Venetian's Palazzo Ballroom. Dr. Su will present AMD's AI vision spanning cloud to enterprise, edge, and devices. CTA noted that "Dr. Lisa Su is a tech visionary who transformed AMD into a global powerhouse in high-performance computing" and that her keynote "will help set the agenda for the future of high-performance computing and how AI will change the world."
On January 6, Roland Busch, President and CEO of Siemens AG, will keynote following the CTA State of the Industry Address at 8:30 a.m. PST. Busch will reveal how AI, digital twins, and automation technology are transforming manufacturing, infrastructure, and transportation. Later that day at 5:00 p.m. PST, Yuanqing Yang, Chairman and CEO of Lenovo, will deliver a keynote at Las Vegas landmark Sphere. Lenovo is bringing its flagship Tech World event to CES, where it will showcase AI applications in F1 racing and plans for the first AI-powered FIFA World Cup in 2026.
On January 7, Joe Creed, CEO of Caterpillar, will take the keynote stage at 9:00 a.m. PST to unveil the company's latest developments in AI, machine learning, and autonomous functionality. Celebrating its centennial in 2025, Caterpillar will use the keynote to launch its next 100 years with a clear focus on technology.
Yannick Bolloré, CEO of Havas and Chairman of Vivendi's Supervisory Board, will also keynote, while Jason Calacanis will host a live taping of the "All-In" podcast featuring Bob Sternfels, Global Managing Partner of McKinsey, and Hemant Taneja, CEO of General Catalyst, exploring how AI is reshaping strategy, investment, and innovation.
Active International Policy Discussions
Beyond U.S. government officials, government representatives from more than 150 countries will attend CES 2026. International policy leaders including Ambassador Jovita Neliupšienė of the European Union to the United States and Hyung Du Choi, Vice Chair of the AI ICT Committee in Korea's National Assembly, will participate in global technology policy discussions.
CTA announced that more than 175 international, federal, state, and local government officials will participate in the Leaders in Technology Program and Innovation Policy Summit (IPS) at CES, discussing key technology policies including AI, autonomous driving, cybersecurity, energy, quantum computing, and trade.
"Technology is the engine of the American economy, and these leaders recognize industry and government must work together to boost American innovation and competitiveness," said Gary Shapiro, CEO and Vice Chair of CTA.