U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that Jay Clayton, the current director of national intelligence, has been appointed as the government’s artificial intelligence czar to lead efforts in maintaining U.S. dominance in the technology sector.
Trump, who advocates for renaming AI as “super intelligence,” revealed that Clayton will head the newly established “Super Intelligence Force” (SIF) responsible for coordinating governmental interactions with consumers, religious organizations, AI firms, and other stakeholders.
Through a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump highlighted that SIF’s primary objective is to uphold America’s leadership in super intelligence and to safeguard the interests and enhance the quality of life for all Americans.
This declaration confirms a Wall Street Journal report where Clayton, who assumed the role of national intelligence chief in August, mentioned that Trump had chosen him to spearhead the administration’s initiatives in keeping the U.S. at the forefront of AI developments.
Clayton emphasized the urgency by stating, “The risk of not being first is high.”
The newly formed task force, as directed by Clayton, has been given 120 days to compile a comprehensive report evaluating the risks and benefits associated with AI and proposing the government’s role in this sphere.
Regarding AI safety concerns, recent weeks have witnessed a growing apprehension among researchers warning about the potential risks posed by AI, with some expressing fears that it could pose a threat to human existence within the next decade. This concern has prompted bipartisan calls for increased oversight and action.
Trump’s approach to AI regulation has been characterized by a lighter touch, as he argues that excessive oversight could hinder competitiveness against China. He has also expressed reluctance in collaborating with Chinese President Xi Jinping on governing AI technology.
Clayton’s panel is tasked with reviewing AI-related risks, current government protocols for breaches and cyber incidents, and recommending strategies to enhance federal response capabilities within existing frameworks.
This marks the second instance where Trump has appointed an advisor to oversee AI-related decisions across his administration. Previously, venture capitalist David Sacks served as the AI czar at the commencement of Trump’s second term.
Apart from Clayton, the leadership team of the task force includes Andrew Ferguson, Federal Trade Commission chair; Emil Michael, Pentagon chief technology officer; and Scott Kupor, director of the Office of Personnel Management. The panel will operate under the guidance of the president and Susie Wiles, the White House chief of staff.