AI Czar Odds: Who Could Trump Pick Next?
Written by: Jonathan Rodriguez
Published: Tue Sep 22, 2026, 12:00 pm ET
Read Time: 7 minutes
Misc.
President Donald Trump plans to create an "AI Force" and appoint a new artificial intelligence czar. BetOnline has posted odds on 20 potential candidates for the position.
Ethan Klein leads the market at 6/1 (+600), followed by Emil Michael and Chamath Palihapitiya at 13/2 (+650). Taylor Budowich and Sriram Krishnan complete the five shortest-priced names.
Trump announced the proposed AI Force on September 19, 2026, but provided few details about its structure. The move comes as his administration continues to emphasize AI development, infrastructure and national security.
What Would Trump's AI Czar Actually Do?
The exact responsibilities of the new AI czar remain unclear because Trump has not yet established the AI Force's structure, authority or budget.
However, the position would likely sit within a broader federal effort to coordinate AI policy. The administration has already issued measures covering AI innovation, cybersecurity, government adoption and national security.
A June executive order called for coordination across federal agencies and closer cooperation with private-sector AI developers. It also established frameworks for securing advanced AI systems and protecting critical infrastructure.
Trump's 2025 AI Action Plan also focused on accelerating innovation, expanding AI infrastructure and strengthening the United States' position in international AI policy.
That means the eventual czar could have responsibilities spanning technology policy, industry coordination and national security. The role could also overlap with existing technology officials and advisers.
The current betting market reflects that broad scope. BetOnline has listed government officials, technology executives, investors and Trump administration figures among its candidates.
Ethan Klein (6/1 | +600) Leads the AI Czar Race
Dr. Ethan Klein leads BetOnline's AI Czar market at 6/1 (+600). His existing role gives him a direct connection to the administration's technology agenda.
Klein serves as the Department of Defense Chief Technology Officer and an Associate Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy. The Senate confirmed him for the OSTP position in December 2025.
His technical background also extends well beyond artificial intelligence. Klein studied chemistry and physics at MIT before earning a Ph.D. in nuclear engineering. He later completed an MBA at Stanford.
Klein also has previous experience inside the Trump administration. During Trump's first term, he served as an OSTP policy adviser and led emerging technology initiatives involving AI, unmanned aircraft and agricultural biotechnology.
As CTO, Klein works across critical technologies including AI, quantum technology, nuclear energy and biotechnology. That broad portfolio could provide relevant experience for an AI Force covering several emerging technologies.
His existing government role therefore distinguishes him from several private-sector names on BetOnline's board. Trump has not announced Klein as his choice, but his current position makes him a notable name in the market.
Emil Michael (13/2 | +650) Brings Pentagon Experience
Emil Michael follows Klein at 13/2 (+650), making him one of BetOnline's leading candidates.
Michael currently serves as the Pentagon's chief technology officer and under secretary for research and engineering. He previously held a senior executive role at Uber.
His current government position gives him direct experience with technology and national security. That combination could be relevant if Trump gives the AI Force a strong defense or strategic focus.
Michael has also featured prominently in the administration's discussions involving AI companies.
Chamath Palihapitiya (13/2 | +650) Combines AI and Silicon Valley Ties
Chamath Palihapitiya also carries 13/2 (+650) odds on BetOnline's board.
Palihapitiya brings extensive technology investment experience through Social Capital and his broader Silicon Valley network. He also co-hosts the All-In podcast alongside several prominent technology investors.
His recent public comments have focused heavily on artificial intelligence and its economic effects. He has argued that AI could reshape productivity without eliminating the need for human work.
Palihapitiya has also discussed AI directly with Trump, adding another connection to the administration's technology discussions.
Taylor Budowich (7/1 | +700) Offers a Direct Trump Administration Link
Taylor Budowich is next at 7/1 (+700) in the AI Czar market.
Budowich has spent years working closely with Trump across political campaigns and the White House. He previously served as a White House deputy chief of staff for communications and personnel.
His responsibilities included engagement with technology companies and discussions involving artificial intelligence and chip manufacturing.
That background could make Budowich relevant if Trump prioritizes political alignment and administration experience for the role.
Sriram Krishnan (8/1 | +800) Has Already Shaped Trump's AI Policy
Sriram Krishnan rounds out the top five at 8/1 (+800).
Krishnan previously served as Trump's senior White House policy adviser for artificial intelligence. He helped shape the administration's AI Action Plan and broader technology policies.
Krishnan left the White House role in June but was expected to remain involved in technology policy.
His previous position gives him direct experience with the administration's AI strategy. That experience could make him relevant if Trump wants continuity in the new AI Force.
The Rest of the AI Czar Field
BetOnline has also listed a wide range of technology executives, investors and administration figures.
Dario Gil, Arvind Raman and Jacob Helberg are each priced at 9/1 (+900). Scott Kupor follows at 10/1 (+1000), while Michael Kratsios sits at 11/1 (+1100).
Sean Cairncross is next at 12/1 (+1200), followed by Ryan Baasch at 18/1 (+1800) and Sam Corcos at 22/1 (+2200). David Sacks is priced at 33/1 (+3300).
Sacks previously served as Trump's AI and crypto czar before leaving that position. He continues working with the administration as an outside adviser.
BetOnline also lists any Trump family member at 50/1 (+5000). Alex Karp and Elon Musk carry the same price.
Elon Musk and JD Vance Remain Longshots
Elon Musk stands out among the longer-priced names at 50/1 (+5000). His position is notable because of his extensive involvement in artificial intelligence and his leadership of xAI.
Musk has also maintained connections with Trump and remains a major figure in the US technology sector. However, BetOnline places him well behind the five shortest-priced candidates.
JD Vance has an even longer price at 80/1 (+8000). As vice president, Vance already holds a senior administration position and has maintained strong connections with Silicon Valley.
Peter Thiel sits at the bottom of the listed market at 125/1 (+12,500). His longstanding technology investment background also gives him a connection to the administration's broader technology agenda.
Trump's AI Force Still Needs a Clear Structure
Trump has not yet explained exactly how the AI Force will operate. The White House also has not detailed its budget, authority or position within the federal government.
Trump has emphasized continued AI development while saying existing criminal and civil laws can address misconduct. He has also rejected calls to slow the industry's growth.
Therefore, the eventual responsibilities of the AI czar remain unclear. The appointment could provide a clearer picture of how Trump intends to coordinate AI policy across his administration.
For now, the market provides a snapshot of the names attached to the potential appointment. Ethan Klein leads the board, while Michael, Palihapitiya, Budowich and Krishnan make up the remaining top five.
Miscellaneous Sports Miscellaneous Sports Miscellaneous Sports Miscellaneous SportsMore Miscellaneous Sports News
2026 MLB World Series Odds: Dodgers Lead as Rays Surge
NFL Retirement Odds: 10 Veterans Facing Career Decisions
MLB Expansion Team Odds: Which Cities Have the Best Chance?
2027 Super Bowl Halftime Odds: Ariana Grande Leads Top 5
Jonathan Rodriguez
Jonathan is an avid basketball fan, and is often looking forward to the next upcoming NBA season when not checking players' stats during games. He also likes to keep his ears on the ground for the latest rumblings in the online casino industry.
This site contains commercial content. We may be compensated for the links provided on this page. The content on this page is for informational purposes only. Betting News makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the information given or the outcome of any game or event.