Bessent on the Iran Conflict

Bessent said the United States will eventually get through the current conflict with Iran.

He also said wage gains will continue because, in his view, the U.S is experiencing a manufacturing revival.

Bessent also made a strong claim about Iran’s oil revenues, saying that for the first time since Iran began producing oil, the country would have “no oil on the water” during the week and would have no revenues.

Bessent Warns About Chinese AI

Bessent said China has increasingly recognized how powerful open-source AI models are.

He argued that Chinese companies use a process he called “industrial distillation,” which he described as a way of taking knowledge from U.S AI models.

Bessent said China had become more aware of the importance of AI technology over the past 60 days.

Comments About Chinese AI Model Kimi

Bessent mentioned the Chinese AI model Kimi, saying it sometimes identifies itself as Claude.

He also claimed that Kimi had sent PLA weapons plans to Anthropic.

Bessent said developments like this had helped Chinese officials and companies understand how powerful AI technology can be.

Bessent on AI Regulation

When asked about CEOs warning that AI development could get out of control and calling for regulation, Bessent said companies that are concerned should slow down their own development.

He compared the situation to the character Hannibal Lecter, saying it was like asking others to stop them before they cause further harm.

Bessent Criticizes the Financial Times

Bessent strongly criticized the Financial Times, saying he had learned that the publication was “anti-American” and “anti-business.”

He accused the newspaper of constantly trying to create problems for the United States and dismissed it as a publication in London.

Bessent Praises Elon Musk

Bessent said he is a “huge Elon fan” and supported Musk’s efforts involving the U.S government.

He compared the administration to a sports team, saying people can disagree privately but still work together publicly.

Bessent also praised Musk's work in technology and space, saying, “He’s amazing. Like, he’s taking us to Mars.”

Key Points

  • Bessent said the U.S will get through the Iran conflict.
  • He linked continued wage gains to growth in U.S manufacturing.
  • He warned about the growing power of Chinese open-source AI models.
  • He described AI model distillation as a way of taking knowledge from U.S models.
  • He discussed Chinese AI model Kimi and made claims about its interaction with Anthropic.
  • He told companies worried about AI risks to slow down.
  • He criticized the Financial Times as anti-American and anti-business.
  • He expressed strong support for Elon Musk.
  • Bessent claimed Iran would have no oil on the water and no revenues during the week.

Source

Scott Bessent interview with The Axios Show