An article summarized by Semafor:
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is reportedly emerging as a leading candidate to become President Donald Trump’s new “AI czar,” according to three sources familiar with the discussions cited by Semafor. Bessent has become increasingly involved in the administration’s AI policy, and this week he held talks with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng about a potential U.S.-China communication system for AI incidents that could pose national security risks.
Trump has not made a final decision, and White House spokesman Kush Desai said reports about personnel decisions that have not been officially announced should be considered speculation. If Bessent were chosen, his role as Treasury secretary would not necessarily prevent him from taking on the additional AI responsibility, similar to how Interior Secretary Doug Burgum has also been given the informal title of “energy czar.”
Bessent became more involved in AI policy after financial institutions warned that advanced AI systems could create vulnerabilities for financial infrastructure. He recently said the purpose of an AI czar would be to provide context and shape the administration’s approach to important AI questions, while emphasizing that humans remain responsible for AI’s actions. Other names reportedly being considered include White House science and technology adviser Michael Kratsios and Office of Personnel Management Director Scott Kupor.
