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Scott Bessent Could Become Trump's New AI Czar
Scott Bessent may get a new job advising President Donald Trump about artificial intelligence.
This possible job is sometimes called the AI czar.
Trump recently said he wants to create this position and an AI force.
He has not explained exactly how either plan would work.
Some lawmakers are worried about the risks that AI could create.
Trump has said that more AI rules are not needed.
Bessent recently discussed AI safety and national security with Chinese officials.
The Treasury Department has not commented on whether he will take the job.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent could become President Donald Trump’s new artificial intelligence adviser, according to a source familiar with the discussions.
Trump said Saturday that he plans to appoint an “AI czar” and create an “AI force,” but provided few details.
Bessent recently led U.S.-China talks that focused heavily on artificial intelligence and proposed an AI safety notification system.
The possible appointment comes as lawmakers express growing concern about AI risks, while Trump has opposed additional regulation.
Bessent also oversees major responsibilities involving trade policy, Ukraine minerals negotiations, the Internal Revenue Service and Iran sanctions.
- Who
- Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and President Donald Trump are central to the reported possible appointment; lawmakers and Chinese officials are also involved in the broader AI discussions.
- What
- Bessent could become Trump’s new artificial intelligence adviser, or “AI czar,” while Trump plans to create an AI force.
- Where
- The possible appointment concerns the U.S. government; Bessent’s recent talks with Chinese officials took place in New York ahead of a summit in Washington.
- When
- The report emerged Tuesday; Trump announced plans for the adviser and AI force on Saturday, and Bessent held U.S.-China talks on Sunday.
- Why
- The discussions come amid lawmakers’ concerns about AI risks and U.S. national-security interests, including those raised in talks with China.
More AI Oversight
Limited Additional Regulation
AI regulation
More AI Oversight
Lawmakers in Washington are increasingly concerned about the risks posed by artificial intelligence and are seeking greater attention to safety.
Limited Additional Regulation
President Donald Trump has repeatedly downplayed concerns about artificial intelligence and argued that additional regulation is unnecessary.
National-security safeguards
More AI Oversight
Bessent has proposed an AI safety notification mechanism and a U.S.-China AI dialogue with an emphasis on national-security concerns.
Limited Additional Regulation
Trump’s proposed AI czar and AI force remain undefined, with no details yet provided about how they would operate.
Key facts
- Potential appointee
- Scott Bessent, the U.S. Treasury secretary
- Proposed role
- President Donald Trump’s artificial intelligence adviser, known as an “AI czar”
- Trump’s plan
- Appoint an AI adviser and create an AI force
- Reported source
- A source familiar with the discussions; the report was first published by Semafor
- Recent AI talks
- Bessent led discussions with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng in New York
- Proposed cooperation
- An AI safety notification mechanism and a new U.S.-China AI dialogue
- Other responsibilities
- Bessent also serves as acting commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service and leads Treasury sanctions efforts against Iran
Sources
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