President Donald Trump announced on September 25 that Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will not take on the proposed role of "Super Intelligence (SI) czar," ending speculation about Bessent possibly leading the administration’s artificial intelligence initiatives. This clarification followed reports from Semafor and Reuters suggesting Trump considered Bessent for the position. Trump said Bessent declined the additional role, emphasizing that he was already engaged in important work at the Treasury Department and should remain in his current post.
Bessent will continue serving as U.S. Treasury Secretary without assuming extra responsibilities in AI policy or oversight. Trump's announcement leaves open who will head the administration’s proposed AI initiative. No successor for Bessent was named, and details about the structure, authority, or specific duties of the AI czar role have yet to be provided by the administration.
The decision follows Trump's September 19 declaration that his administration would create an “AI Force,” likening the effort to the establishment of the U.S. Space Force. He said an AI “czar” would be named soon as part of this plan. Trump highlighted artificial intelligence as a significant technological and economic development, estimating its impact could reach 25% of U.S. GDP. The administration aims to sustain U.S. leadership in AI and compete with China and other countries in advancing artificial intelligence technologies.
