Trump denies reports Treasury Secretary Bessent will become AI 'czar'

US President Donald Trump has denied reports that Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent would be appointed as an artificial intelligence "czar" within the administration, according to a report from Anadolu Agency. Trump said Bessent would remain in his current post and dismissed the reports as "fake news."

The denial follows speculation about a possible reshuffling of roles within the administration that would have seen Bessent take on responsibilities overseeing federal AI policy in addition to his duties at the Treasury Department. Such a position would have placed him at the center of the administration's approach to regulating and promoting artificial intelligence development.

Cabinet-level shuffles and speculation about new advisory roles are common in Washington, particularly around fast-moving policy areas like artificial intelligence, where the administration has faced pressure to articulate a clear regulatory and industrial strategy.

Trump's comments appear intended to put an end to the speculation, affirming that Bessent's role remains unchanged. The report did not specify the origin of the initial claims about Bessent's potential appointment as an AI czar, nor did it detail whether any other official might be under consideration for such a role.

The White House has not announced any new appointment related to AI policy coordination at this time.