Scott Bessent compares AI CEOs who warn of catastrophe to Hannibal Lecter: 'Stop me before I kill again'

AI SUMMARY

# Treasury Secretary Dismisses AI Existential Risk Warnings Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent criticized AI CEOs who warn of catastrophic risks as fearmongering, comparing them to fictional villain Hannibal Lecter, arguing that Silicon Valley firms don't require government regulatory intervention despite safety concerns. The comment reflects the Biden administration's lighter regulatory approach to AI development, potentially benefiting major AI companies like OpenAI, Google, and Meta by reducing the likelihood of restrictive government oversight on their continued expansion.