Bessent Tipped as Possible AI Czar in Trump Administration

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent could be named as President Donald Trump's artificial intelligence czar, according to a source familiar with the discussions, even as a second source indicated that no final decision has been reached.

The Treasury Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the possibility.

The speculation follows Trump's statement over the weekend that he intends to appoint an AI adviser, commonly referred to as an "AI czar," and to establish an "AI force." He did not elaborate on how either initiative would work or when they might be rolled out.

The discussions are taking place against a backdrop of mounting concern among lawmakers in Washington about the dangers associated with artificial intelligence. Trump, however, has consistently minimised those worries and argued that further regulation is not needed.

Bessent's potential new portfolio would add to a crowded set of responsibilities. A former hedge fund manager, he was previously chosen by Trump to steer a broad overhaul of US trade policy, to handle negotiations with Ukraine over critical minerals, and to temporarily lead the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. He is also serving as acting commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service, while his Treasury Department has been driving efforts to isolate Iran economically through sanctions and other measures.

On Sunday, Bessent held talks in New York with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, ahead of a summit this week between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Washington. The discussions centred heavily on artificial intelligence. Speaking to reporters afterwards, Bessent said Washington had put forward a proposal for an AI safety notification mechanism and a US-China AI dialogue, with national security concerns figuring prominently.