Who Will Lead Trump’s New ‘AI Force’?

• September 22, 2026

A man in a suit and glasses stands in front of a blue backdrop with United Nations General Assembly and U.S. logos, looking to the side.

U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent (Brendan SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images)

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Office of Personnel Management Director Scott Kupor, and White House chief design officer Joe Gebbia are among the most prominent names being discussed to serve as the new artificial intelligence czar, sources familiar with the matter tell the Daily Signal.

Former deputy chief of staff Taylor Budowich has been floated by some close to the White House as well. Budowich now leads the pro-data center Innovation Council.

However, the leader of the new AI Force is still being deliberated, and the final decision has not been made, sources say.

Bessent said yesterday that the czar would play a key role in conversations about the future of AI. He called the position “very important.”

Semafor previously reported that Bessent was the frontrunner for AI czar.

President Donald Trump announced Saturday that he was establishing an “AI Force, much like I did Space Force,” but few details are known.

“We will not in any way hinder or stifle the Growth of this incredible Industry. Rather, we will cherish it, help it, and watch over it, as it grows! However, we will also be looking for BAD, and we can do that, very easily, with our already existing Criminal and Civil Justice System,” Trump said on Truth Social.

Venture capitalist David Sacks previously served as AI czar but he moved into an external advisory position in the spring.

Elizabeth Troutman Mitchell | White House Correspondent

Elizabeth Troutman Mitchell is the White House correspondent for the Daily Signal.

Follow on X TheElizMitchell

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