Dario Amodei, Scott Bessent, Erika Kirk Among Speakers at DealBook Summit

Kevin Hassett, a prominent economic advisor to former President Trump, has emerged as a leading candidate for the Federal Reserve chair, emphasizing the role of tariffs in boosting Treasury revenues. Meanwhile, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has expressed concerns about the national debt, likening it to a 'shrinking ice cube.'

US equity futures are maintaining gains as discussions arise regarding Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent potentially leading the National Economic Council alongside his current role, contingent on President Trump's expected nomination of Kevin Hassett as the next Federal Reserve chair. This development comes amid ongoing labor market data analysis.

The 2025 DealBook Summit brought together business and political leaders, with President Trump's economic policies and the impact of artificial intelligence being key discussion points. California Governor Gavin Newsom engaged in dialogue with DealBook Editor at Large Andrew Ross Sorkin, highlighting the intersection of technology and governance.

Scott Bessent is being considered to lead the National Economic Council while continuing his role as Treasury Secretary, as reported by Bloomberg. This potential dual role highlights the administration's strategy to streamline economic policy leadership amid ongoing economic challenges.

Dario Amodei, CEO of Anthropic, has expressed concerns regarding the significant financial investments being made in artificial intelligence, highlighting a 'cone of uncertainty' that could pose risks to the company and the industry as a whole. As Anthropic invests tens of billions into new data centers, the potential for adverse outcomes looms large.

Larry Fink, CEO of BlackRock, and Brian Armstrong, CEO of Coinbase, recently addressed concerns regarding a potential downturn in the cryptocurrency market, asserting their confidence in the asset's future. Their discussion, led by Andrew Ross Sorkin, highlighted the growing acceptance of cryptocurrencies in mainstream finance.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent defended former President Trump's use of tariffs during a discussion at The New York Times DealBook Summit, asserting that these import levies are not contributing to inflation. Bessent emphasized the administration's stance on tariffs amid ongoing economic debates.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent described the Giving Pledge as well-intentioned but lacking clarity, suggesting it emerged from a sense of urgency among billionaires. He emphasized that when individuals have a stake in the system, they are less likely to undermine it, a sentiment expressed during the DealBook Summit.