U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that he has appointed Jay Clayton, the current director of national intelligence, as the head of the government’s efforts to maintain American leadership in artificial intelligence (AI). Trump, who has advocated for rebranding AI as “super intelligence,” revealed that Clayton would lead the newly established “Super Intelligence Force” (SIF), overseeing interactions with consumers, religious organizations, AI firms, and other stakeholders. Trump shared on his Truth Social platform that SIF’s primary goal is to ensure the U.S. remains at the forefront of Super Intelligence globally and to safeguard the interests and enhance the lives of all Americans.
The appointment, as reported by The Wall Street Journal, confirmed Clayton’s new role in spearheading the administration’s initiatives to keep the U.S. ahead in AI technology. Clayton emphasized the importance of being a frontrunner in AI, stating that the consequences of falling behind are significant. He outlined that the task force, which he will lead, has a 120-day timeline to deliver a report evaluating the risks and opportunities associated with AI and recommending the federal government’s role in this domain.
Concerns regarding the safety of AI have gained prominence lately, with some experts cautioning that AI developers believe the technology could pose a threat to human existence within the next decade. Various lawmakers from both Democratic and Republican parties have expressed alarm and demanded more decisive actions. Trump’s stance on AI regulation leans towards minimal intervention, citing concerns about weakening competitiveness against China with excessive oversight. He emphasized his reluctance to collaborate with Chinese President Xi Jinping on governing AI technology.
Clayton’s panel will assess AI-related risks, current government mechanisms for handling breaches and cyber incidents, and propose strategies to enhance federal response capabilities within existing frameworks. The task force, as outlined in its charter, will work towards bolstering the government’s ability to address AI-related challenges effectively.
This marks the second instance where Trump has appointed an adviser to oversee AI-related decisions across the administration. Venture capitalist David Sacks previously held the position of AI czar at the start of Trump’s second term. Apart from Clayton, the leadership of the task force will include Andrew Ferguson, the chair of the Federal Trade Commission; Emil Michael, the Pentagon’s chief technology officer; and Scott Kupor, the director of the Office of Personnel Management. The panel will report directly to the president and Susie Wiles, the White House chief of staff.