US Treasury Chief Bessent emerges as potential Trump AI adviser

Scott Bessent, the US Treasury Secretary, has emerged as a potential adviser on artificial intelligence policy within the Trump administration, according to reports of recent high-level discussions. The development underscores Washington's intensifying engagement with AI governance at the highest levels of government.

Following talks on trade and economic matters, Bessent indicated that the United States has put forward proposals for enhanced AI safety notification procedures and a fresh dialogue channel with China specifically addressing artificial intelligence issues. The initiative reflects concerns about AI development's implications for national security, a priority that has gained prominence across major global economies.

The Treasury Secretary's involvement in AI policy discussions suggests a shift towards integrated economic and security frameworks around emerging technologies. Washington's emphasis on bilateral AI dialogue with Beijing points to efforts to establish common ground with its strategic competitor on technology governance, even as broader geopolitical tensions persist.

The proposals come as governments worldwide grapple with rapidly advancing AI capabilities and their potential national security implications. The US approach combining safety mechanisms with diplomatic engagement reflects an effort to balance innovation with risk management in one of the most consequential technology sectors of the decade.