US President Donald Trump Appoints Intelligence Chief Jay Clayton as New AI Czar

US President Donald Trump has named Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton as the administration's new AI czar, according to a report by the Wall Street Journal. Clayton, who took on his intelligence role in August, will lead a newly formed White House panel known as the "Super Intelligence Force." The group is tasked with reporting within 120 days on the risks and opportunities of artificial intelligence. Clayton stated in an interview that the president asked for the group to be put together to ensure the US stays a leader in advanced AI while protecting the interests of Americans, adding that the risk of not being first is high. The panel will review AI-related risks, look at current government reporting mechanisms for breaches, hacks, and other incidents, and recommend ways to strengthen federal response capabilities under existing authorities.

Panel Members and Background

The vice chairs of the new task force are Emil Michael, Scott Kupor, and Federal Trade Commission Chair Andrew Ferguson. Other members include Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles. External advisers for the panel include former AI czar David Sacks and former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. This marks the second time Trump has named an adviser to oversee AI decisions across the administration, following venture capitalist David Sacks who held the role at the start of Trump's second term.

Context

Artificial intelligence policy has become a major focus for governments worldwide as rapid technological advances spark both excitement over economic leadership and deep concern over safety and national security. The United States and other global powers continue to weigh how to balance rapid tech innovation with proper oversight and protection against potential cyber threats and misuse.