Donald Trump Confirms Scott Bessent Will Not Be AI Czar

Donald Trump announced Friday that Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will not be appointed as the artificial intelligence czar, ending speculation that Bessent was a leading candidate for the role. The clarification followed reports from Semafor and Reuters and a previous denial from Bessent during a Fox News appearance on September 24.

Trump stated that Bessent does not want the position and is performing too well at the Treasury Department to be moved. The decision aligns with the president's broader strategy to establish an AI Force, modeled after the Space Force, to ensure the United States maintains leadership over China and other global competitors.

Trump characterized AI as the next industrial revolution, predicting the technology could eventually account for as much as 25% of the United States' GDP. He maintained that there is no reason to move Bessent from his current post given his performance at the Treasury.