Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton has been selected by the Trump administration to serve as the nation’s AI czar, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal. The appointment places Clayton at the helm of a new White House task force designed to address escalating concerns regarding the rapid evolution and risks of artificial intelligence.
Clayton told the Journal that his primary responsibility will be leading a group with a 120-day mandate to investigate AI’s potential risks and opportunities. The task force, officially dubbed the “Super Intelligence Force” (SI), will provide recommendations on the federal government’s role in overseeing the technology. President Trump reportedly prefers the term “superintelligence” over AI.
“The president asked that a group be put together that was going to ensure exactly what he said, which is that we stay the leaders in superintelligence, and that the interests of the American people are put first,” Clayton said, as cited by the Journal.
This development follows a September announcement by Trump on Truth Social, where he declared the creation of an “AI Force” to support industry growth while targeting malicious actors. In that post, Trump emphasized that his administration would not stifle the sector but would instead nurture it, adding that only individuals with high IQs should apply for positions within the new body.
The push for centralized AI leadership comes amid growing calls from industry leaders for a development slowdown. These appeals follow a series of high-profile incidents involving rogue AI agents and warnings about the pace of technological improvement.
Clayton, a former SEC chairman and U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, was confirmed as DNI by the Senate in July. The role grants him authority over 18 U.S. intelligence agencies. The White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the new appointment.
Finally, some official attention on AI risks. Hope they actually do something instead of just writing a report.
Is anyone else worried about centralizing AI oversight? Seems like a lot of power in one task force.
Clayton has regulatory experience, but overseeing something this fast-moving seems like a steep climb for just 120 days.
A high-IQ requirement for government jobs? That’s an interesting way to pick a team. Wonder how they define that metric.
Super Intelligence Force sounds like a sci-fi villain group. I hope this isn’t just branding over actual regulation.