Sources say Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent could be appointed as President Trump’s AI adviser amid rising concern in Washington over the risks of advanced AI. Trump has downplayed calls for more regulation but announced plans for an "AI czar" and an "AI force" without specifics. Bessent recently met China’s Vice Premier He Lifeng, where the U.S. proposed an AI safety notification mechanism and a U.S.-China AI dialogue focused on national security. No final decision has been announced.
Treasury's Scott Bessent Reportedly Poised To Become Trump's AI 'Czar', Sources Say
FILE PHOTO: US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent arrives to meet China's Vice Premier He Lifeng, ahead of summit between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, at JPMorgan Chase's global corporate headquarters in New York City, US September 20, 2026. REUTERS/Vincent Alban/File Photo
Sources familiar with internal discussions told Reuters on Sept. 22 that U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent could be tapped to serve as President Donald Trump’s new artificial intelligence adviser — popularly described as an "AI czar" — as lawmakers in Washington raise growing concerns about the risks posed by advanced AI technology.
Trump has repeatedly downplayed those concerns, arguing additional regulation is unnecessary. On Saturday he said he plans to appoint an AI adviser and create an "AI force," but offered few details on the adviser’s responsibilities or how the force would be structured.
The Treasury did not immediately respond to requests for comment about Bessent’s possible appointment. The potential move was first reported by Semafor, and a second source told Reuters that no final decision has yet been made.
Recent Talks With China Put AI At Center Stage
Bessent led talks on Sunday in New York with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng ahead of a planned summit between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Washington. AI emerged as a central topic in the discussions.
After the meeting, Bessent told reporters that U.S. officials had proposed an AI safety notification mechanism and the creation of a U.S.-China AI dialogue, with a particular emphasis on national security risks associated with advanced systems.
Track Record And Potential Role
Trump previously tapped Bessent — a former hedge fund manager — to lead a major review of U.S. trade policy, negotiate with Ukraine on critical minerals, and temporarily head the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. He also serves as acting commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service. The Treasury Department, where Bessent is a leading figure, has played a central role in using sanctions and other measures to isolate Iran economically.
Any formal appointment of an "AI czar" would come as Congress and global leaders increasingly debate how to balance innovation, safety and national security in the face of rapidly advancing AI capabilities.
No further details were available as officials continued discussions and planning around the potential appointment and related AI initiatives.
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