US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent Emerges as Frontrunner for AI Czar Role
Bessent Leads Candidate Pool for Trump's AI Policy Lead
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is the frontrunner to serve as President Donald Trump’s chief artificial intelligence official, according to reports. The White House has not yet confirmed any personnel decisions. Bessent is considered the leading candidate for the role of AI czar. He would oversee a new government initiative Trump announced last week, called the "AI Force." This group is designed to manage the development and risks of artificial intelligence technology.
Other Potential Candidates
In addition to Bessent, several other officials are being considered for the position:
- Michael Kratsios, Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.
- Scott Kupor, Director of the Office of Personnel Management and a former managing partner at Andreessen Horowitz.
- Sean Cairncross, the National Cyber Director.
Previous AI Czar Steps Down
Trump previously appointed David Sacks as the first AI and crypto czar. Sacks left the role earlier this year. His departure occurred because he reached the legal limit for how long he could serve as a special government employee. Sacks continues to advise the president through the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology.
White House Denies Reporting
The White House has pushed back against reports regarding the new appointment. Spokesperson Kush Desai told Semafor that any news about personnel decisions not officially announced by the administration should be viewed as baseless speculation. Cointelegraph contacted the White House and the US Treasury Department for comment.
Why This Matters
The appointment of an AI czar signals that the Trump administration is prioritizing artificial intelligence as a key area for national policy. The creation of the "AI Force" suggests a structured government effort to oversee AI growth and safety. This move follows growing public concern about the potential risks associated with advanced AI technologies.
Uncertainty Remains
No official announcement has been made. The White House has explicitly stated that current reports are unconfirmed. It is unclear when a final decision will be announced or if Bessent will accept the role while retaining his position as Treasury Secretary.
Sources
Newisty Editorial Team covers technology, cryptocurrency, digital products, online platforms, developer tools and the wider digital economy. Our content is researched from official sources, company announcements, public documentation, market data and other primary or reputable sources. Articles are reviewed and edited before publication for clarity, accuracy and useful context.