Key facts
- US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is reportedly a frontrunner for US President Donald Trump's next artificial intelligence czar role.
- Other candidates for the AI czar position include Michael Kratsios and Sean Cairncross.
- White House spokesperson Kush Desai stated that any reporting on unannounced personnel decisions is baseless speculation.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is reportedly being considered as US President Donald Trump’s next artificial intelligence czar, according to three sources familiar with the matter who spoke to Semafor. Trump previously announced plans for an "AI Force" on September 19, amid mounting concerns about the risks associated with artificial intelligence technology.
Other individuals reportedly being considered for the AI czar position include Michael Kratsios, Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, and Sean Cairncross, National Cyber Director. Scott Kupor, a former managing partner of venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz, was also mentioned as a candidate. However, White House spokesperson Kush Desai told Semafor that "any reporting about personnel decisions that have not been officially announced by the administration should be regarded as baseless speculation."
Previously, Donald Trump had appointed David Sacks as his AI and crypto czar. Sacks stepped down earlier this year after reaching his service limit as a special government employee but continues to advise the president through the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology.