Trump names Jay Clayton as AI czar to lead America's ‘Super Intelligence Force’

US President Donald Trump on Sunday announced the formation of a new “Super Intelligence Force” to coordinate the federal government’s efforts to keep the US at the forefront of advanced artificial intelligence, naming Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton to lead the initiative.

Trump said the force would work across government and with technology companies and other groups to protect US interests and ensure the country remains a global leader in what he called “Super Intelligence”.

Also read: Warning signs multiply for Trump just a month before the midterms


“Following the Historic White House Accord on Super Intelligence, where the World's most important Technology Companies came together, and confirmed their responsibilities to the American People, I am announcing the formation of the Super Intelligence Force (SIF),” Trump said in a Truth Social post on Sunday.

He said the SIF would “coordinate the effort of the Federal Government to ensure that America continues to lead the World in Super Intelligence”, adding that the technology “many say is bigger than the Industrial Revolution, and the Internet”.

Trump said the force would also seek to “protect the interests, and improve the lives, of all Americans”.

The announcement formally follows the White House’s recent engagement with leading technology companies over AI safeguards. The companies agreed to principles covering measures such as internal controls and external reviews, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Clayton to lead White House AI task force

Trump said the SIF would coordinate the federal government’s engagement with consumers, public interest groups, religious organisations, critical infrastructure providers and AI companies.

The force will be led by Clayton, Federal Trade Commission Chairman Andrew Ferguson, Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering and Chief Technology Officer Emil Michael, and Office of Personnel Management Director Scott Kupor.

Trump said the group would report to him and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles.

The announcement follows western media reports that Clayton had been selected to lead a new White House task force examining the risks and opportunities presented by AI, effectively making him the administration’s AI czar. Clayton, who became director of national intelligence in August, confirmed his role in an interview with the Journal.

The task force will have 120 days to produce its report, according to the Journal. It is expected to examine the federal government’s role in overseeing AI, review existing mechanisms for reporting AI-related breaches, hacks and other incidents, and recommend ways to strengthen the government’s response under existing authorities.

Also read: G7 nations agree to release 100 million barrels of oil, including diesel, a boost for Trump

Trump seeks AI leadership without stifling innovation

The task force’s remit comes as the Trump administration seeks to balance AI’s rapid development with concerns over national security, cybersecurity and other risks, while avoiding regulations that could weaken US competitiveness.

The task force will examine existing laws and potential legislative steps while working with the technology industry on AI risks and opportunities. Its charter also calls for plans to respond to threats posed by advanced AI while guarding against regulations that could impede innovation and competition.

The group will include senior administration officials including Vice President JD Vance, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Wiles, according to the WSJ report cited above. External advisers will include venture capitalist David Sacks, who previously held an AI czar role, and former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.

Trump has repeatedly argued that excessive AI regulation could undermine the US in its competition with China. His administration has instead favoured voluntary safeguards and greater responsibility for technology companies, even as concerns over the technology’s potential risks have intensified.