WASHINGTON — Secretary Scott Bessent outlined the administration’s economic vision, emphasizing deregulation as the path toward making the United States both an artificial intelligence superpower and an energy-dominant nation.

“We want to be an AI superpower, we want to be energy dominant, and all that's going to come from deregulation — and I think the market likes that,” Bessent said.

The remarks reflect the administration’s push to scale back regulatory barriers in order to boost innovation and strengthen U.S. competitiveness in technology and energy sectors. Supporters argue the approach will accelerate growth and attract investment, while critics caution that sweeping deregulation could carry risks for consumer protection, labor standards, and the environment.

Bessent’s comments come as Washington continues to balance rapid advances in AI with mounting global competition and the ongoing debate over America’s energy strategy.