U.S. President Donald Trump has formally appointed Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton as the administration’s AI czar. Reuters reported that The Wall Street Journal, in an interview with Clayton published on Oct. 3 Eastern Time, said he will lead a newly created White House task force and deliver a report within 120 days on AI risks and opportunities.
Reports had previously said Clayton was expected to take the role, though the White House had not formally announced the appointment at that time.
The White House is calling the group the “Super Intelligence Force”
Clayton told The Wall Street Journal, 「The president asked to put together a group.」 Inside the government, the task force is known as the “Super Intelligence Force,” with a stated goal of keeping the United States in the lead in advanced AI while protecting Americans’ interests.
He also said, 「The risks of not being first are high.」
The label matches an executive order Trump signed on Sept. 29. That order requires all federal departments and agencies to use “Super Intelligence,” or “SI,” in place of “artificial intelligence” in official documents and external communications.
Report due in 120 days will review AI risks and federal response systems
According to the report, the task force charter says Clayton’s group will examine AI-related risks and review the government’s current reporting mechanisms for cybersecurity vulnerabilities, hacking incidents and other events.
Within existing statutory authority, the group will also recommend measures to strengthen the federal government’s response capacity.
Vance and cabinet officials join, with David Sacks as outside adviser
The report said the vice chairs of the group are Emil Michael, Scott Kupor and Federal Trade Commission Chair Andrew Ferguson.
Members include Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Hegseth, Treasury Secretary Bessent and White House Chief of Staff Wiles.
Outside advisers include former AI czar David Sacks and former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.
This is the second time Trump has appointed an adviser to coordinate AI-related decision-making across the government. Venture capitalist David Sacks served as AI czar at the start of Trump’s second term.
AI safety concerns are rising as Trump favors a lighter regulatory approach
Reuters said AI safety has become a major issue in recent weeks. Some researchers have warned that the people building the technology believe it could kill humans within 10 years. Lawmakers from both Democratic and Republican parties have also voiced concern and called for more action.
Trump, however, has leaned toward lighter oversight of AI, arguing that excessive regulation would weaken the United States in its competition with China.
On Sept. 29, he also said he did not want to work with Chinese President Xi Jinping on governing AI technology.
