Full Breakdown
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent Touted as Trump’s Potential AI Czar
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Development
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is emerging as the leading candidate for President Donald Trump’s planned “AI czar” role, according to three sources cited by Semafor. Bessent has taken an increasingly visible part in the administration’s artificial-intelligence policy, and this week he held a “critical early dialogue” with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. The two officials discussed a possible U.S.–China “notification mechanism” to share information about AI incidents that could threaten national security, as part of broader talks about a formal bilateral AI dialogue. Trump has not yet confirmed any appointment and is known to favor “dark-horse” candidates.
Recent U.S.–China AI Talks
The Bessent-He meeting was timed ahead of President Trump’s scheduled summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the White House on September 24. Sources say the dialogue aimed to lay groundwork for a structured U.S.–China AI communication channel, reflecting growing concerns that advanced AI systems could create vulnerabilities in financial and security sectors.
Official Statements & Responses
The Treasury Department declined to comment. In a CNBC interview, Bessent explained the purpose of the AI czar role:
“When President Trump talked about appointing an AI czar, I think it is to put context, shape and contours around these questions, and they’re very important,” — Scott Bessent, treasury secretary
Other officials mentioned as possible contenders include Michael Kratsios, director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, and Scott Kupor, director of the Office of Personnel Management and former a16z executive.
What’s Next
President Trump and President Xi are scheduled to meet at the White House on September 24, with artificial-intelligence policy expected to be a key agenda item. The outcome of that summit may shape whether Bessent or another nominee ultimately receives the AI-coordination portfolio.