President-elect Donald Trump is reportedly considering appointing an artificial intelligence czar to guide federal policy and oversee government use of AI, according to Axios. The position, while not yet confirmed, could reflect growing recognition of AI’s critical role in emerging technologies.
Notably, billionaire Elon Musk, a Trump supporter, is not expected to take the role himself but will reportedly help shape the decision alongside biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy. Both are heading Trump’s newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which will influence key appointments.
Concerns have been raised about Musk potentially leveraging his ties to the administration to benefit his companies, including xAI. Musk has clashed publicly with rivals like OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Google CEO Sundar Pichai, fueling speculation about potential conflicts of interest.
In addition to the AI czar, Trump is reportedly exploring the idea of a cryptocurrency czar, with the possibility of combining the two roles under an “emerging tech czar” to address the growing intersection of AI and blockchain technologies.
Trump has pledged to overturn President Joe Biden’s comprehensive AI executive order, signed in 2023, arguing that it stifles innovation. During his first term, Trump issued the nation’s first executive order on AI in 2019, directing federal agencies to prioritize AI research and development.
The incoming administration will likely face significant challenges, including the development of infrastructure to support AI advancements, as it looks to craft its technology agenda.