Bessent: AI developers shouldn't get government liability shield

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Monday that artificial intelligence developers should not expect federal liability protection, telling CNBC that AI companies "need to take responsibility for themselves" rather than rely on government shields. Bessent stated "It is humans who are responsible, not the AI," pushing back on industry demands for legal safeguards. His comments came in response to questions about President Donald Trump's opposition to regulatory crackdowns on AI development. Bessent's remarks also covered bond markets, trade diplomacy, and press access. He defended the Treasury's buyback program amid criticism from House Democrats over rising yields, which saw the 10-year Treasury climb above 5% last week for the first time since 2007.