Sources: Scott Bessent is emerging as a frontrunner for the AI czar position; other names include WH OSTP Director Michael Kratsios and OPM Director Scott Kupor

US-China discussions on AI incident notification mechanisms are now underway, potentially shaping future global AI governance.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is reportedly a leading candidate for President Donald Trump's "AI czar" position, according to sources cited by Semafor. Bessent has been actively involved in the Trump administration's AI policy and recently engaged in discussions with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng at the UN General Assembly regarding a potential US-China "notification mechanism" for AI incidents posing national security threats. These talks are framed as a precursor to a formal US-China dialogue on AI. While Trump's final decision on the AI point person is not confirmed, and he is known to favor unexpected choices, the report notes that Bessent's current Cabinet role would not preclude him from taking on this additional title. Other individuals mentioned as possibilities for the AI czar role include White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Director Michael Kratsios and Office of Personnel Management Director Scott Kupor. White House spokesman Kush Desai stated that any personnel announcements not officially made by the administration should be considered baseless speculation.

The emergence of Scott Bessent as a frontrunner for the AI czar role, coupled with his direct engagement with Chinese officials on AI security, signals a potential shift in how the US plans to manage its complex relationship with China concerning artificial intelligence. This move suggests a focus on establishing specific communication channels to mitigate risks, indicating a more structured approach to bilateral AI governance than previously seen. The administration's consideration of such a role underscores the perceived urgency and strategic importance of AI policy on the global stage.

The potential appointment highlights the increasing integration of AI policy within broader national security and economic strategies, particularly in interactions with geopolitical rivals. Bessent's background in Treasury and his recent discussions on financial sector AI vulnerabilities suggest that the AI czar role could encompass a wide range of issues, from economic stability to national security implications. This comprehensive scope could influence how other nations approach their own AI leadership structures and international dialogues.