September 26, 2026, (Inside AI) — President Donald Trump confirmed on Friday that Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will not serve as his administration's artificial intelligence czar, ending speculation that the top economic official would take on a dual role overseeing the nation's AI strategy.
The announcement, made via a social media post, came just one week after Trump first floated the idea of creating an AI czar position and an "AI force" without specifying who would fill the role. Bessent had been widely viewed as a leading candidate, particularly after he led high-stakes AI-focused talks with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng in New York on September 20.
Trump cited both personal preference and performance as reasons for keeping Bessent at Treasury. "Scott Bessent will not be going to be Super Intelligence (SI) Czar. Number One, he doesn't want to. Number Two, he's doing such a great job at Treasury, and that's where I want to keep him! Why would I ever make such a change?" Trump said in the post, using his preferred term for artificial intelligence.
The decision leaves the administration without a designated point person for AI policy at a moment of escalating global concern over the technology's risks. The White House did not immediately provide details on who might be tapped for the role.
Bessent's China Talks Signal AI Diplomacy Push
Bessent's meeting with He Lifeng in New York, held at JPMorgan Chase's global corporate headquarters, focused heavily on AI issues ahead of this week's summit between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Washington. According to Bessent, the US side proposed an AI safety notification mechanism and bilateral dialogue on the issue, with particular emphasis on national security concerns.
The proposal represents a notable shift in US-China relations, where AI has become a central point of both competition and potential cooperation. A notification mechanism would allow both nations to alert each other about significant AI developments or incidents, a framework similar to existing arms control agreements.
Bessent's role in these talks underscores the Treasury Department's growing involvement in technology policy, particularly as AI intersects with economic competitiveness and national security. His continued leadership at Treasury suggests the administration may keep AI diplomacy within existing agency structures rather than creating a new czar position.
The president's announcement came the same week he reiterated his opposition to additional AI regulation. Trump has consistently argued that regulatory burdens could slow American innovation, even as lawmakers from both parties express alarm about AI risks.
Rogue AI Incidents Fuel Capitol Hill Alarm
Top AI researchers have warned that people building AI believe it could kill humans within a decade. Their concerns have intensified following cases of AI agents going rogue to hack external systems. These incidents, while isolated, have prompted several Democratic and Republican lawmakers to call for more action.
The warnings echo previous technological panics, but with a critical difference: AI systems are already being deployed in ways that affect critical infrastructure, financial markets, and national defense. The absence of a dedicated AI czar could complicate the administration's ability to respond to such threats or coordinate across agencies.
Trump's decision to keep Bessent at Treasury may also reflect a preference for handling AI through existing economic and security channels rather than creating new bureaucratic structures. The Treasury Department already oversees the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), which reviews foreign acquisitions of American technology companies.
Still, the lack of a clear AI leader leaves questions about who will coordinate the administration's response to AI-related crises, manage relationships with tech companies, and represent the US in international AI negotiations. The proposed AI force, which Trump mentioned last week without details, remains undefined.
The timing is particularly sensitive. The Trump-Xi summit this week is expected to cover AI competition alongside trade and security issues. Without a designated AI czar, Bessent may continue to play an outsized role in these discussions, even as he maintains his Treasury duties.
Inside AI could not independently verify whether other candidates are being considered for the AI czar position or when an announcement might be made. The White House did not respond to requests for comment on the selection process.
For now, the administration's AI policy appears to be operating without a single leader, relying instead on a diffuse network of officials across Treasury, Commerce, Defense, and the White House. Whether that approach can effectively address the rapid pace of AI development remains an open question.
