President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that he has appointed Jay Clayton, the director of national intelligence, to lead the government’s efforts in maintaining U.S. dominance in artificial intelligence (AI). Trump, who advocates for rebranding AI as “super intelligence,” designated Clayton to oversee the newly established “Super Intelligence Force” (SIF), which will engage with various stakeholders including consumers, religious groups, and AI companies.
Through his Truth Social platform, Trump stated that the SIF’s objective is to ensure America remains a global leader in super intelligence and to safeguard the interests and well-being of all Americans. This move aligns with a report by the Wall Street Journal, confirming Clayton’s role in spearheading the administration’s drive to uphold the U.S.’s position in AI innovation.
Clayton emphasized the urgency of maintaining a competitive edge in AI, highlighting the substantial risks of falling behind. The task force led by Clayton is tasked with delivering a comprehensive report within 120 days, assessing the potential risks and benefits associated with AI and proposing the federal government’s role in this realm.
Amid rising concerns about AI safety, calls for enhanced regulations have emerged, with fears that the technology could pose existential threats within the next decade. While some lawmakers advocate for stricter oversight, Trump has advocated for a more lenient approach to regulation, citing concerns about maintaining competitiveness against China.
Clayton’s panel will review existing government frameworks related to AI risks, breaches, and response mechanisms, aiming to reinforce federal capabilities within current legal boundaries. This marks the second instance in which Trump has appointed an advisor to oversee AI-related decisions, with Clayton leading a team comprising key figures from various government agencies. The panel’s mandate includes reporting directly to the president and Susie Wiles, the White House chief of staff.