President Donald Trump knocked down reports Friday that Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent could become his new artificial intelligence czar, saying his economic chief has no interest in the job and is staying put.
“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? Just more Fake News! President DONALD J. TRUMP,” he wrote on Truth Social.
The post delivered a firm answer to days of speculation about whether Bessent would take on another assignment in the administration.
Bloomberg reported Tuesday that Bessent was a leading contender for the AI czar position, citing Semafor’s reporting based on three unnamed people familiar with the matter. The report described him as a contender, not an announced selection.
Bessent had already pushed back during a Wednesday appearance on Fox News, while making clear he would remain involved in the administration’s work on artificial intelligence.
“I think there’s one AI czar, and that’s President Trump,” Bessent said, according to Bloomberg.
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The Treasury secretary has participated in discussions with China about communication between the two countries on AI. Bloomberg reported that Bessent described Beijing as eager to engage, although the scope of the proposed communication line remained unresolved.
Trump announced Sept. 19 that he planned to name a new AI adviser and create an AI force. He emphasized supporting the industry’s growth while using existing criminal and civil laws to address wrongdoing.
Venture capitalist David Sacks previously served as Trump’s AI czar before stepping down earlier this year and continuing in an outside advisory role.
Trump’s Friday statement offered no replacement candidate, instead making clear that he wants Bessent to remain focused on his Treasury job.
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[ H/T Trending Politics ]
