Overview

• 1789 Capital pitched an event as the “Inaugural U.S. Treasury A.I. Summit,” implying Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent would unveil department strategy despite it not being a government conference.
• After questions from The Wall Street Journal, organizers rebranded it as the “AI Summit on American Prosperity,” and people familiar with the plans said the pitch varied by audience.
• A Treasury spokesperson said the department did not approve the materials and confirmed Bessent had been invited and intended to attend.
• Treasury officials indicated Bessent could withdraw if the federal government shutdown continues, according to the reporting.
• The pitch offered paid perks such as VIP dinners and branding, backers include Christopher Buskirk and Omeed Malik, and the event is set for Oct. 21, the date targeted for an administration AI export program milestone.