U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Sunday the appointment of Jay Clayton, the director of national intelligence, as the head of the government’s efforts to uphold American leadership in artificial intelligence (AI). Trump, advocating for the renaming of AI to “super intelligence,” designated Clayton to lead the newly established “Super Intelligence Force” (SIF). This force will oversee interactions with consumers, religious organizations, AI companies, and other stakeholders.
Trump shared on his Truth Social platform that the SIF’s objective is to guarantee that the United States remains a global leader in Super Intelligence and safeguards the interests and enhances the lives of all Americans. This declaration aligns with a Wall Street Journal report, where Clayton, who took on the role of national intelligence chief in August, disclosed that Trump had selected him to spearhead the government’s endeavors to maintain U.S. supremacy in AI.
Clayton emphasized the critical importance of being at the forefront, stating that the consequences of not leading in AI could be severe. The task force, under Clayton’s leadership, has been given a 120-day timeline to deliver a comprehensive report assessing the risks and opportunities associated with AI and suggesting the federal government’s role in this domain.
Concerns regarding the safety of AI have been in the spotlight recently, with certain researchers cautioning about the potential dangers posed by the technology. Trump has taken a cautious stance on AI regulation, expressing concerns that excessive oversight could hinder competitiveness with China. He has also indicated reluctance to collaborate with Chinese President Xi Jinping in governing AI technology.
Clayton’s panel will evaluate AI-related risks, existing government mechanisms for reporting breaches and incidents, and propose enhancements to federal response capabilities within the current legal framework. Apart from Clayton, the leadership team of the task force will include key figures such as 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 directly report to the president and Susie Wiles, the White House chief of staff.