Bessent Emerges as Leading Candidate to Become Trump's Next AI Czar

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is reportedly in the running to become President Donald Trump's next artificial intelligence czar, as the administration prepares to establish a new 'AI Force.'

The role was previously held by David Sacks, who left after reaching the 130-day service limit. Trump announced plans for an AI Force on September 19, but provided few details about its structure or authority.

Bessent has become more involved in AI policy discussions this year, meeting with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng to discuss establishing a formal US-China dialogue on artificial intelligence and a possible notification system for incidents with national security implications.

Other officials being considered for the position include White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Director Michael Kratsios, Office of Personnel Management Director Scott Kupor, and National Cyber Director Sean Cairncross. Trump has continued to favor a relatively light federal regulatory approach toward artificial intelligence, releasing a National AI Policy Framework earlier this year that called for voluntary agreements with technology companies over prescriptive requirements.