White House AI Adviser Will Depart by End of Month

Deputy National Economic Council Director Ryan Baasch will exit his government roles at the end of September 2026.

Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Artificial Intelligence

Bold flat-color editorial illustration showing a stylized stone pillar section, representing federal institutional infrastructure. — White House AI adviser Ryan Baasch will depart his post at the end of September 2026, marking a transition in the administration's regulatory leadership. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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White House AI policy adviser Ryan Baasch will vacate his positions as Deputy Assistant to the President and Deputy Director of the National Economic Council at the end of September 2026. Baasch intends to transition into a new role within the private sector following his government departure.

Why it matters

Baasch played a foundational role in shaping the National Policy Framework for Artificial Intelligence and coordinated efforts with the Justice Department and Federal Trade Commission on competition policy. His exit marks a significant shift in the administration's technical and regulatory policy bench.

Baasch served as a deputy to National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett and previously supported former AI and crypto czar David Sacks. His tenure focused on the intersection of federal regulatory oversight and emerging technology development.

The players

Ryan Baasch

A departing White House official who held the roles of Deputy Assistant to the President for Economic Policy and Deputy Director of the National Economic Council.

Kevin Hassett

The current National Economic Council Director who serves as the primary economic adviser to the President.

David Sacks

A former White House aide who functioned as a czar for artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency policy.

The details

Baasch managed dual roles as Deputy Assistant to the President for Economic Policy and Deputy Director of the National Economic Council. In these capacities, he collaborated with the Justice Department—the federal executive department responsible for the enforcement of federal laws—and the Federal Trade Commission—a government agency that promotes consumer protection and competition. These efforts involved drafting the National Policy Framework for Artificial Intelligence to guide federal standards.

September 30, 2026: Ryan Baasch officially departs his White House positions.

The Tech Race

The departure follows Baasch's central involvement in the National Policy Framework for Artificial Intelligence, which serves as the current blueprint for federal tech governance. His exit leaves a vacancy as the administration works to sustain momentum on its long-term competition policy goals.

Policy adjustments and regulatory priorities overseen by the National Economic Council may experience shifts as Baasch transitions to the private sector. The change impacts industries focused on AI compliance, as they navigate the evolving federal standards established during his tenure.

The takeaway

Baasch's departure marks a notable change in the personnel responsible for managing the intersection of AI development and federal competition law. Observers should track subsequent appointments to the National Economic Council to identify potential pivots in future regulatory enforcement strategies.