US Treasury secretary could take on AI czar role, source says

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent may assume the role of AI czar under President Donald Trump, according to a source familiar with recent discussions, as lawmakers in Washington express growing concerns over the risks associated with AI technology. Despite these apprehensions, Trump has consistently dismissed the need for additional regulation regarding AI.

Treasury has yet to comment on Bessent's potential new role, which was initially reported by Semafor. On Saturday, Trump announced his intention to appoint an AI adviser, referred to as an "AI czar," and establish an "AI force," though he did not divulge specifics about these plans or their execution. Bessent participated in talks with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng on Sunday in New York, preceding Trump's anticipated summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Washington.

The discussions centered primarily on AI, with Bessent informing reporters afterward that Washington had proposed a new AI safety notification mechanism and a US-China AI dialogue, with a focus on national security implications. Trump previously appointed Bessent to lead a comprehensive overhaul of US trade policy, negotiations with Ukraine concerning critical minerals, and the temporary leadership of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

Additionally, Bessent serves as the acting commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service, and his Treasury is spearheading an economic isolation campaign against Iran through a series of sanctions and other measures.