Trump's AI Plan: Treasury Secretary Bessent Tapped to Lead AI Policy

TVS News AI, editorially supervised, presents Trump's AI Plan: Treasury Secretary Bessent Tapped to Lead AI Policy.

The US government under Donald Trump is reportedly planning to consolidate AI policy within the Treasury Department. This is suggested by reports from the political newsletter Semafor, referenced by Golem.de. According to these reports, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is to take on the newly created position of "AI Czar".

The fact that the Treasury Department specifically is to coordinate AI policy is unusual. Until now, the field has been more under tech agencies or directly at the White House. What the shift means in concrete terms remains unclear – not least because neither the White House nor Bessent himself has officially confirmed the position so far.

What is known about the plan so far

Bessent has been Treasury Secretary of the US since the start of Trump's second term. According to Semafor, insiders see him as the favorite for the AI Czar – a title that has existed in similar form in the US before but is reportedly to be significantly upgraded.

The shift to the Treasury Department raises questions: Is it about investments in AI infrastructure? About export controls on AI chips toward China? About tax incentives for AI companies? Without official confirmation, it remains speculation. What's clear is that with the Treasury Secretary, a heavyweight of the cabinet would have the topic on the table.

Three points to keep an eye on right now

If you're following this development, watch for these signals:

• Official confirmation: As long as neither the White House nor Bessent speak out, it remains an insider assessment from Semafor.
• Responsibilities: AI policy in the Treasury Department would mean that investments, export controls, and tax incentives for AI companies would be bundled there.
• Implications for the tech industry: A shift away from tech-oriented bodies could change the US's regulatory course.

We'll keep an eye on the development and update as soon as there's news.