U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that he has appointed Jay Clayton, the current director of national intelligence, as the government’s artificial intelligence czar. Clayton’s role will involve coordinating efforts to uphold U.S. dominance in technology. Trump, who advocates for renaming AI as “super intelligence,” disclosed that Clayton will lead the newly established “Super Intelligence Force” (SIF), responsible for engaging with consumers, religious organizations, AI firms, and other stakeholders. Through a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump emphasized that SIF’s goal is to ensure America’s continued leadership in Super Intelligence and to safeguard the interests and well-being of all Americans.
The appointment aligns with a Wall Street Journal report wherein Clayton, who assumed the position of national intelligence chief in August, confirmed that Trump had chosen him to spearhead the government’s initiative to maintain the U.S.’s AI prominence. Clayton stressed the significance of being at the forefront in AI, stating that the consequences of lagging behind are substantial. The task force led by Clayton is mandated to produce a comprehensive report within 120 days, evaluating the risks and opportunities associated with AI and recommending the federal government’s role in this domain.
AI safety concerns have heightened in recent times, with researchers cautioning about the potential dangers posed by AI development. Both Democratic and Republican lawmakers have expressed alarm and urged for proactive measures. Trump’s approach towards AI regulation has been characterized by a light touch, citing concerns about regulatory burdens impacting competitiveness against China. Clayton’s panel will assess AI-related risks, existing government mechanisms for handling incidents like breaches and hacks, and propose strategies to enhance federal response capabilities within current legal frameworks.
This marks the second instance where Trump has appointed an adviser to oversee AI-related decisions across various government sectors. David Sacks previously held the AI czar position during the early stages of Trump’s second term. Alongside Clayton, the task force will include leaders such as Andrew Ferguson, chair of the Federal Trade Commission; Emil Michael, Pentagon’s chief technology officer; and Scott Kupor, director of the Office of Personnel Management, according to Trump. The panel will provide reports to the president and Susie Wiles, the White House chief of staff.
