Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton has been appointed by the Trump administration to serve as the new “AI czar,” leading a “Super Intelligence Force” to research artificial intelligence risks and opportunities. The task force will deliver recommendations on the federal government’s role in overseeing AI within 120 days, aiming to ensure U.S. leadership in “superintelligence” while prioritizing American interests. This move comes amid calls from AI industry leaders for federal guardrails, despite President Trump’s previous skepticism about AI regulation.
In a significant move to address the burgeoning complexities of artificial intelligence, Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Jay Clayton has been tapped by the Trump administration to lead a new White House task force, effectively becoming the nation's new 'AI czar'. This development, first reported by The Wall Street Journal on Saturday, signals a more formalized approach from the government to navigate the rapid evolution and inherent risks of advanced AI.
Jay Clayton, nominee to be director of national intelligence, testifies during his Senate Select Intelligence Committee confirmation hearing in Dirksen building on Wednesday, July 15, 2026. Tom Williams | Cq-roll Call, Inc. | Getty Images
Clayton confirmed to the Journal that he will spearhead a novel initiative, dubbed the "Super Intelligence Force" (SI) – a term preferred by President Donald Trump over "AI." This elite group is tasked with a 120-day mandate to thoroughly research both the profound opportunities and potential pitfalls of artificial intelligence. Their core mission will be to formulate recommendations on the precise role the federal government should play in overseeing and guiding this transformative 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 stated, according to the Journal. This initiative aligns with Trump's earlier declaration in September via Truth Social, where he announced plans for an "AI Force" to foster industry growth while simultaneously identifying and neutralizing "bad actors."
Despite mounting "dire warnings" from within the tech sector and calls for federal guardrails by prominent figures like Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, President Trump has largely resisted strict AI regulation. His September post on Truth Social even suggested that fears surrounding AI were a "hoax" propagated by "Radical Left Dumocrats."
Jay Clayton brings a robust background to this critical role, having previously served as chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and as a U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York. His confirmation in July as DNI endowed him with oversight responsibilities for 18 U.S. intelligence agencies, positioning him uniquely to tackle the multi-faceted challenges presented by AI.
This announcement follows closely on the heels of a White House meeting where AI industry leaders, including those who have advocated for a slowdown in development after high-profile "rogue AI agent hacks," convened with President Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson. During this gathering, developers signed a voluntary agreement on safety standards, which Trump characterized as "morally binding."
The appointment marks a shift from previous arrangements, as venture capitalist David Sacks, who had briefly served as an AI and crypto czar under Trump, concluded his term as a special government employee in March. Sacks continues his role as co-chair of the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology, providing expert advice on technology and innovation policy.
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