Treasury Secretary Bessent emerges as Trump AI czar frontrunner

Three people familiar with the discussions say Scott Bessent is being considered to lead a new office or initiative focused on artificial intelligence policy and oversight. The White House dismissed those reports as speculative.

Other names under consideration include Michael Kratsios, director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy; Scott Kupor, a former managing partner at Andreessen Horowitz; and National Cyber Director Sean Cairncross. No official shortlist or timeline has been announced.

President Trump announced plans for an “AI Force” and an AI czar on Sept. 19 but provided few details about responsibilities, authority or staffing.

Earlier this year entrepreneur David Sacks served as an AI and crypto adviser to the president. He stepped down after reaching his service limit as a special government employee and continues to advise through the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology.

In a statement, White House spokesperson Kush Desai said any reporting about personnel decisions not officially announced “should be regarded as baseless speculation.” The administration has not provided further comment on the selection process or the proposed role’s scope.

Officials have not clarified whether the position would have regulatory authority or how it would coordinate with existing agencies such as the Office of Science and Technology Policy, the National Cyber Director’s office, and departments including Commerce and Treasury. Washington discussions have included industry standards, national security implications, workforce impacts and coordination of federal research and development.