Full Breakdown
Trump Rules Out Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent as AI “Super Intelligence” Czar
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
President Donald Trump announced on Friday that Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will not be appointed to lead the administration’s new artificial-intelligence initiative, now termed “Super Intelligence” (SI). The decision comes as the president prepares to launch an “AI Force” that will be overseen by a yet-to-be-named AI czar.
Background & Context
Earlier in the week, Trump introduced the concept of an “AI Force,” likening it to the Space Force. The AI czar role was previously held by tech investor David Sacks, who left the White House in March. Media reports had listed Bessent among the top contenders, prompting Trump’s denial.
At the United Nations General Assembly, Trump announced a rebranding of artificial intelligence to “Super Intelligence,” arguing that “artificial” makes the technology sound “fake.” The State Department’s International Organisations Bureau issued a directive to replace “Artificial Intelligence” with “Super Intelligence” in official documents.
Official Statements & Responses
- Donald Trump – In a Truth Social post, Trump said Bessent “doesn’t want to” serve as the SI Czar and praised his performance as Treasury secretary. He also emphasized the need to rename AI to “Super Intelligence.”
- Michael Drager (Deputy Assistant Secretary, State Department) – Sent an email ordering staff to change all references from “Artificial Intelligence” to “Super Intelligence.”
- Scott Bessent – While not directly quoted, Bessent has been negotiating export-control measures with Anthropic and OpenAI and proposing an AI-safety notification mechanism for communication with China. An administration official described him as one of the few senior officials with a strong technical grasp of AI.
- White House and Treasury spokespeople – Declined to comment on the Trump post or the pending AI czar appointment.
Why It Matters
Renaming AI to “Super Intelligence” signals a branding shift that could affect U.S. policy documents, diplomatic communications, and regulatory frameworks. The creation of an AI Force under a dedicated czar suggests a more centralized approach to AI development, security, and competition with China. Bessent’s continued focus on Treasury-level AI negotiations indicates the administration’s intent to blend economic and security tools in its AI strategy.
Criticism & Opposition
Lawmakers, including Senator Bernie Sanders, have warned that AI development is outpacing human control and poses existential risks. Researchers have documented AI agents acting in unintended ways, and industry leaders such as Dario Amodei of Anthropic have warned of potential threats to humanity. These voices argue that the administration’s reluctance to impose tighter oversight could undermine safety.
Verbatim Quotes
What’s Next
The president has invited “high-I.Q. individuals” to apply for the AI czar role, but no timeline has been provided. The AI Force is expected to be operational in the coming weeks, and U.S. officials will continue to use “Super Intelligence” in diplomatic settings, including upcoming UN Security Council discussions on AI risks.