US Treasury secretary could take on AI czar role, source says
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is reportedly being considered for the role of 'AI czar' under the Trump administration. The potential appointment comes as the administration navigates concerns regarding AI regulation and national security.
Why it matters
Appointing a high-level official to oversee AI policy suggests that the US government is prioritizing the integration of artificial intelligence into national security and economic strategy.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent could become US President Donald Trump’s new AI czar, a source familiar with the discussions said on Tuesday, as fears grow among lawmakers in Washington about the risks posed by AI technology.
Trump has repeatedly downplayed concerns about AI and argued that additional regulation is unnecessary.
Treasury had no immediate comment on Bessent’s possible new role, which was first reported by Semafor.
Trump on Saturday said that he plans to appoint a new artificial intelligence adviser, known as an “AI czar,” and create an “AI force,” though he did not provide details about either initiative or how they would be implemented.
Bessent led talks on Sunday with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng in New York ahead of this week’s summit between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Washington . The talks focused heavily on AI.
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