Bessent emerges as frontrunner for Trump's "AI czar" role - report

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is emerging as a leading candidate for President Donald Trump’s planned “AI czar” role, according to a report by Semafor. The decision is not final, and Trump is reportedly open to “dark-horse” picks. If appointed, Bessent could hold both jobs, since cabinet posts have not previously barred other dual roles—Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, for example, currently serves as energy czar simultaneously. Bessent has been active in AI policy, including talks this week with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. The discussions covered a potential U.S.-China notification mechanism for AI incidents posing national security threats.