U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that he has appointed Jay Clayton, the Director of National Intelligence, to lead the government’s efforts in maintaining U.S. dominance in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). Trump, who has advocated for rebranding AI as “super intelligence,” revealed that Clayton will head the newly established “Super Intelligence Force” (SIF). The SIF will oversee interactions with consumers, religious organizations, AI firms, and other stakeholders.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump highlighted that the SIF’s goal is to uphold America’s leadership in super intelligence and safeguard the interests and well-being of all Americans. This move aligns with a recent report from The Wall Street Journal, where Clayton, who assumed the role of national intelligence chief in August, shared Trump’s plan to position the U.S. at the forefront of AI development.
Clayton emphasized the urgency of leading in AI, stating that the consequences of falling behind are significant. The task force led by Clayton will have 120 days to deliver a report evaluating the risks and benefits associated with AI and recommending the federal government’s involvement in this realm.
Regarding AI safety concerns, recent discussions have highlighted the potential dangers of AI technology, with some experts cautioning that it could pose a threat to human life within the next decade. While some lawmakers have called for increased regulation, Trump has taken a more relaxed stance, expressing concerns that excessive oversight might weaken the country’s competitiveness against China.
Clayton’s panel will assess AI-related risks and review the current government protocols for handling breaches and other incidents. The task force’s mission includes enhancing federal response capabilities within existing frameworks. This marks the second time Trump has appointed an advisor to oversee AI decisions, with venture capitalist David Sacks previously holding the role during Trump’s second term.
Apart from Clayton, key figures leading the task force include Andrew Ferguson, Chair of the Federal Trade Commission; Emil Michael, Chief Technology Officer at the Pentagon; and Scott Kupor, Director of the Office of Personnel Management. The panel will report directly to the President and Susie Wiles, the White House Chief of Staff.