Trump Administration Weighs Candidates for New AI Czar Role

President Trump is set to appoint a new advisor to lead the administration's efforts in artificial intelligence and establish an "AI Force." This role comes at a critical juncture, as AI technology rapidly advances and Washington grapples with how to regulate the burgeoning industry.

The administration is reportedly considering several candidates for the position, which oversees policy for the multi-trillion dollar AI sector. The previous AI czar, venture capitalist David Sacks, stepped down in March after reaching his service limit.

Potential Candidates Emerge

Among those reportedly in consideration is Sriram Krishnan, the current senior White House policy advisor on AI. Krishnan, recognized by TIME Magazine as one of "The Architects of AI" in 2025, was instrumental in developing the administration's AI Action Plan, which aimed to reduce regulatory burdens and stimulate growth in areas like data center development. Trump has previously praised Krishnan's contributions to the administration's AI efforts.

Scott Bessent, the current U.S. Treasury Secretary, has also been frequently mentioned as a potential candidate. Bessent has publicly stated that AI companies should be held accountable for the actions of their models and has engaged in discussions regarding AI policy, including potential communication mechanisms with China on AI incidents threatening national security. However, Bessent has reportedly called reports of him being offered the position "fake news."

Sean Cairncross, the National Cyber Director, has been a significant figure in the Trump administration's AI policy development since 2025. Cairncross previously served as the CEO of the Millennium Challenge Corporation and as chief operating officer of the Republican National Committee. Some administration insiders have expressed doubts about his readiness for the role, according to reports.

Michael Kratsios, Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, is another individual reportedly in the running. Kratsios has been a vocal proponent of continued AI development, arguing against halting progress or imposing premature global governance structures. He has emphasized the importance of understanding the technology before attempting to regulate it and has advocated for sharing best practices to build domestic capacity rather than establishing a global regulatory regime.

Navigating a Complex Landscape

The incoming AI czar will face a challenging environment marked by industry-wide debates on regulation and legislative pushes from Congress. AI industry leaders like those at OpenAI and Anthropic have called for increased government oversight, while lawmakers are actively pursuing new rules.

Senators such as Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) are championing legislation like the "Artificial Intelligence Risk Evaluation Act." Hawley has stressed the need for an AI czar who prioritizes the interests of everyday citizens and has called for legislative action to limit data centers and prevent AI chatbots from distributing harmful content to minors, while also ensuring individuals have legal recourse against AI companies.

The selection of the next AI czar comes as the U.S. navigates the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence and its profound implications for national security, the economy, and society.