Scott Bessent Eyed as Trump’s New AI Czar

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is under consideration to become President Donald Trump’s new artificial intelligence czar as Washington intensifies its focus on AI development, safety and national security.

A source familiar with the discussions said Bessent could take on the additional role, while Semafor separately reported that he has emerged as a leading contender. However, no final personnel decision has been announced. The Treasury Department did not immediately comment on the possibility.

Trump announced Saturday that he plans to appoint a new “AI czar” and establish an “AI Force” as part of his administration’s approach to the rapidly expanding technology. The president provided few details about the proposed initiative’s structure or responsibilities while emphasizing that his administration does not want to hinder AI industry growth.

Bessent’s potential appointment comes as artificial intelligence takes on a larger role in U.S.-China relations. The Treasury secretary met Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng in New York on Sunday ahead of Trump’s scheduled summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Washington.

Artificial intelligence featured prominently in those discussions. Bessent said the United States proposed creating an AI safety notification mechanism designed to improve communication over incidents involving national security. Washington also proposed establishing a broader U.S.-China dialogue focused on artificial intelligence risks.

The Treasury chief has already taken on several responsibilities beyond his department’s traditional economic mandate. Trump previously assigned Bessent a central role in reshaping U.S. trade policy and negotiations with Ukraine over critical minerals.

Bessent also temporarily headed the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and serves as acting commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service. Meanwhile, the Treasury Department has played a central role in the administration’s economic pressure campaign against Iran through sanctions and other financial measures.

An AI czar appointment would further expand Bessent’s influence across economic, technology and national security policy as the Trump administration develops its approach to increasingly powerful AI systems.