Jay Clayton appointed as AI czar by Trump administration

Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton has been appointed as the new AI czar for the Trump administration, tasked with overseeing the response to artificial intelligence amid concerns about its risks, according to The Wall Street Journal. Clayton stated he will lead a new White House task force that will have 120 days to research and report on the risks and opportunities of AI, as well as provide recommendations on the federal government's role regarding the technology. "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 told the Journal. The task force will be named the "Super Intelligence Force," a term preferred by President Trump over AI. The Journal cited a senior White House official in reporting Clayton's new role. The White House did not respond to a request for comment from CNBC. In September, Trump announced via a Truth Social post that he would establish a new "AI Force" to support the industry and eliminate bad actors. He stated, "We will not in any way hinder or stifle the Growth of this incredible Industry. Rather, we will cherish it, help it, and watch over it, as it grows!" Trump also emphasized that only individuals with high intelligence quotients should apply for roles related to AI. Clayton, who previously served as chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission and U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, was confirmed as DNI in July, overseeing 18 U.S. intelligence agencies. This announcement follows a meeting between Trump and AI industry leaders, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, where developers agreed to voluntary safety standards described by Trump as "morally binding." Despite warnings from industry leaders, including Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, regarding the need for federal regulations on advanced AI models, Trump has opposed such regulations. In his September post, Trump referred to fears surrounding AI as a hoax and criticized "Radical Left Dumocrats." David Sacks, who previously served as AI and crypto czar under Trump, stated in March that his tenure as a special government employee had concluded. Sacks is currently co-chair of the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology, a federal advisory committee composed of external experts in technology, scientific research, and innovation policy.