Trump Rules Out Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent as AI Czar

President Donald Trump will post on September 25, 2026 via Truth Social that Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will not be appointed to the newly created “Super Intelligence (SI) Czar” role.

CNBCTrump denies reports of Treasury chief Bessent becoming AI 'czar' Trump rejects Bessent as AI czar The Straits TimesThe Hill

In early September 2026 Trump announced plans for an “AI czar” and an “AI Force,” likening the latter to the Space Force. The position is meant to oversee AI development and governance amid growing security concerns. Prior to the denial, outlets reported Bessent—a leading voice on AI policy in the administration—was a top contender. He had led AI-focused talks with Chinese Vice-Premier He Lifeng in New York on September 20, 2026 and pushed for a U.S.–China notification mechanism for AI incidents. Former AI and crypto czar David Sacks left the White House earlier this year; other names mentioned include Michael Kratsios, director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy, and Scott Kupor, director of the Office of Personnel Management.

Gizmodo

• Donald Trump – President, announced the AI czar initiative.

The Straits Times

• Scott Bessent – Treasury Secretary, prominent in AI policy discussions.

CNBC

• He Lifeng – Chinese Vice-Premier, met with Bessent on AI safety.

Semafor

• David Sacks – Former AI and crypto czar.

Gizmodo

• Michael Kratsios – Potential AI-czar candidate.

Gizmodo

• Scott Kupor – Potential AI-czar candidate.

Gizmodo

• September 19, 2026 – Trump posted a poll to rename AI, selecting “Super Intelligence.”

Gizmodo

• September 20, 2026 – Bessent led AI talks with He Lifeng in New York.

The Straits Times

• September 25, 2026 – Trump will deny reports that Bessent will become the AI czar.

The Straits Times

• White House spokesman Kush Desai called media speculation about Bessent’s appointment “baseless.”

Semafor

• The Treasury Department did not comment.

CNBC

• Semafor, Reuters, and other outlets cited unnamed sources saying Bessent was a frontrunner.

CNBC

• Trump’s upcoming denial contradicts those reports, leaving the final selection unresolved.

Trump denies reports of Treasury chief Bessent becoming AI 'czar'

• “Scott Bessent will not be going to be Super Intelligence (SI) Czar. Number One, he doesn’t want to. Number Two, he’s doing such a great job at Treasury, and that’s where I want to keep him!” — Donald Trump, president

CNBCTrump rejects Bessent as AI czar The Straits TimesTrump denies reports of Treasury chief Bessent becoming AI 'czar' The Hill