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Bessent Will Not Be Trump's AI Czar as 'Super Intelligence' Push Searches for a Lead

September 25, 2026 at 13:18 EDT

Policy & Regulation
AI Agents

Scott Bessent will not become President Donald Trump's AI czar, leaving the administration's new AI Force without a named leader after reports cast the Treasury secretary as a leading contender. The outcome keeps Bessent involved in AI policy through Treasury and China talks while Trump presses a broader effort to recast AI as "super intelligence" and resist new guardrails.

September 2026 - U.S. AI Policy

Bessent is out of the AI czar slot

The AI Force still has no named leader, while Trump pushes a "super intelligence" agenda and keeps enforcement centered on existing law.

How the decision landed

ReportsBessent was floated as a leading contender.

DenialHe rejected the idea of taking the role.

GapThe AI Force still lacks public operating details.

ChannelBessent remains tied to China incident talks.

The safety clock behind the debate

A prominent warning placed dangerous agent capability in a six-to-12-month window if safeguards lag.

6months

12months

What remains unresolved

LeaderNo public successor named.

MandateAI Force duties remain vague.

ToolsEnforcement leans on existing law.

Supportive read

A China incident channel and clear liability for AI companies could give policy a practical starting point.

Critical read

Without a named lead or defined powers, the AI Force remains more posture than operating plan.

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