US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent could be President Donald Trump’s new artificial intelligence adviser, with his name emerging as a possible choice for the administration’s proposed “AI czar” role as concerns grow in Washington over the risks posed by the rapidly developing technology. “AI czar” is an informal term generally used for a senior official tasked with coordinating a government’s artificial intelligence policy. Trump announced on September 19 that he planned to appoint an AI adviser and create an “AI force”, but did not provide details about the structure, powers or responsibilities of the proposed body.
Bessent has recently played a key role in US-China discussions involving artificial intelligence. It is not a formal Cabinet position established under US law. Bessent would not be the first Trump administration official associated with the AI czar title.
Venture capitalist David Sacks previously served as Trump’s AI and cryptocurrency czar before stepping down from the formal role in March and moving to an external advisory position. On Sunday, he led talks in New York with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng ahead of a planned meeting between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Washington.