US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is reportedly being considered as US President Donald Trump’s next artificial intelligence czar, following days after the administration announced sweeping plans for an “AI Force” amid mounting nationwide and global concerns regarding the risks and rapid deployment of advanced technologies.
According to sources familiar with the matter who spoke with Semafor, Bessent has emerged as a leading frontrunner for the influential position. The potential appointment comes as the White House looks to solidify its oversight and strategic vision for artificial intelligence development, regulation, and national security integration.
The position of AI czar carries significant weight within the federal government, serving as a central point of contact for tech policy, industry coordination, and innovation strategy. Should Bessent transition into the role, it would place a key financial official at the intersection of economic policy and technological advancement, potentially bridging traditional monetary governance with the rapidly expanding digital economy.
While Bessent is currently viewed as the primary candidate, administration insiders indicate that several other high-profile figures are also under consideration for the post. Among the alternative candidates being evaluated by the White House are Michael Kratsios, Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, and Scott Kupor, Director of the Office of Personnel Management. Kupor brings a distinct industry background to the table, having previously served as a managing partner at the prominent venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz. Additionally, National Cyber Director Sean Cairncross is reportedly being weighed for the role, reflecting the administration’s increasing emphasis on the intersection of artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.
Despite the widespread reports detailing the ongoing consideration of these candidates, the administration has officially urged caution regarding premature personnel speculation. When reached for comment by Semafor, White House spokesperson Kush Desai firmly stated that any reporting concerning personnel decisions that have not been officially announced by the administration should be regarded as baseless speculation. Representatives for both the White House and the US Treasury Department have been approached for further comment regarding the status of the deliberations.
The discussions surrounding the next AI czar follow President Trump’s formal announcement regarding the creation of a dedicated "AI Force." Trump outlined his administration’s plans for the new initiative, along with the appointment of a specialized AI czar, in a social media post shared on Truth Social. While the initial announcement signaled a major policy direction for the administration, it left many specific details regarding the operational scope, jurisdiction, and exact duties of the proposed AI Force and its leader unaddressed, leaving industry stakeholders and policymakers awaiting further clarification.
The impending appointment of a new AI czar marks a continuation of the administration’s efforts to centralize technological leadership. Previously, President Trump tapped David Sacks to serve as the nation’s dual AI and crypto czar, granting him a broad mandate to oversee policies related to both emerging technology sectors. Sacks stepped down from his official government role earlier this year after reaching the statutory service limit imposed on special government employees. Despite his departure from the formal administrative post, Sacks continues to maintain a close advisory relationship with the executive branch, offering his expertise and guidance to the president through his ongoing work with the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology.
The search for a successor to Sacks underscores the administration’s ongoing focus on managing the multifaceted implications of artificial intelligence. As the technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace, intersecting with everything from national security infrastructure to digital finance and broader economic productivity, the structural leadership of federal AI initiatives remains a critical component of executive policymaking. With financial leaders like Bessent and experienced policy directors under consideration, the White House appears poised to shape the next chapter of American technological governance as discussions and evaluations continue behind closed doors.
