US President Donald Trump has appointed Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton as the administration's new AI czar, with Clayton set to lead a new White House task force focused on the risks and opportunities posed by artificial intelligence.
The task force, referred to by the Trump administration as the "Super Intelligence Force", will assess the implications of advanced AI and examine what role the US government should play in overseeing the rapidly developing technology. The group is expected to submit its report within 120 days, according to the Wall Street Journal.
What will Jay Clayton's AI task force do?
The task force will review the risks and opportunities associated with AI and assess existing government mechanisms for reporting incidents such as hacks, security breaches and other AI-related threats.
It will also recommend ways to strengthen the federal government's ability to respond to such incidents under existing authorities. The panel could continue beyond the initial 120-day period if required, or its responsibilities could eventually be transferred to a government agency.
Clayton said the group was created to help ensure that the US remains a leader in advanced AI while protecting the interests of Americans. He also warned that the risks of falling behind other countries in the development of advanced AI are significant.
"The risk of not being first is high," Clayton said, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Why did Trump appoint the US intelligence chief as AI czar?
Clayton's appointment comes as AI is increasingly being treated as a national security issue in Washington. The rapid development of increasingly capable AI systems has raised concerns about cybersecurity, critical infrastructure, potential misuse and the ability of governments to respond to AI-related incidents.
Clayton, who heads the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, brings a national-security perspective to the administration's AI policy. He is expected to continue serving as intelligence chief while taking on the additional AI role.
Trump administration's approach to AI
The appointment comes as the Trump administration attempts to balance AI development with concerns over safety and security.
Trump has repeatedly emphasised the importance of keeping the US ahead of China in advanced technology and has opposed regulations that he believes could slow innovation. The administration has also backed voluntary safety measures and industry-led oversight rather than relying solely on extensive government regulation.
The new task force is expected to work with the AI industry while examining whether existing government systems are adequate to deal with emerging risks.
Who is part of the 'Super Intelligence Force'?
The task force will include senior administration officials and technology policymakers. Vice President JD Vance, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles are among those involved, while external advisers include former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and former AI czar David Sacks.
The group is expected to engage with major AI companies and technology leaders as it examines the opportunities and risks associated with increasingly advanced AI systems.
AI safety concerns grow
The move comes amid growing debate in the US over the potential dangers of increasingly powerful AI systems. Researchers and technology experts have raised concerns about cybersecurity threats, AI systems acting autonomously and the possibility of advanced models being misused.
At the same time, the White House has sought commitments from leading AI companies to develop advanced systems safely and introduce additional oversight. The administration has described these measures as part of a broader effort to protect Americans while ensuring that the US remains at the forefront of AI development.
With Clayton now overseeing the administration's AI strategy, the 120-day review by the Super Intelligence Force could shape how Washington approaches AI safety, national security, government oversight and the future development of advanced artificial intelligence.
