Overview
- 1789 Capital marketed an Oct. 21 conference as the “Inaugural U.S. Treasury A.I. Summit” featuring Secretary Scott Bessent, though it was a private event.
- Following reporter inquiries, organizers rebranded it the “AI Summit on American Prosperity” and acknowledged that pitches varied by audience.
- Treasury said it did not approve the materials, confirmed Bessent’s invitation, and noted he could withdraw if the government shutdown continues.
- Ethics experts criticized the pitch as trading on the department’s imprimatur for private benefit.
- Sponsorship offers included VIP dinners, cocktail events, and branding, and the date aligns with the administration’s planned AI export program rollout.