Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is reportedly emerging as a leading contender to become President Donald Trump’s AI czar, potentially expanding his role in the administration’s technology and China policy.
Scott Bessent Emerges As AI Czar Contender
Three people familiar with the matter told Semafor that Bessent is among the frontrunners for the newly planned position, although Trump has not made a final decision.
White House spokesman Kush Desai pushed back on the personnel report. He told the publication that unannounced administration decisions should be viewed as “baseless speculation.”
The White House did not immediately respond to Benzinga’s request for comment.
Bessent Leads US-China AI Talks
Bessent has already played a prominent role in the administration’s AI policy discussions.
He met Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng in New York on Sunday ahead of Trump’s planned meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Washington.
The discussions reportedly included a potential U.S.-China mechanism for communicating about AI incidents that could create national security risks.
US, China Discuss AI Safety Framework
Following the talks, Bessent said Washington had proposed an AI safety “notification mechanism” and a formal dialogue between the two countries focused partly on national security.
On Saturday, Trump said that he intends to appoint an AI adviser, referred to as an “AI czar” and establish an “AI force.” However, he provided few details about how the initiative would operate.
Bessent’s potential appointment would not necessarily require him to leave Treasury. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum has previously held the additional title of “energy czar” while remaining in his Cabinet position, the report noted.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo Courtesy: Maxim Elramsisy On Shutterstock.com
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