Clayton Tapped to Lead Trump's AI Task Force, Must Balance Innovation and Oversight in 120 Days
Jay Clayton, a former Director of National Intelligence, has been appointed by President Donald Trump to lead the Super Intelligence Force, a new White House team focused on artificial intelligence. The task force will study AI risks, security threats, privacy, and whether new laws are needed to manage the technology. Clayton will head the team for 120 days, during which time he will need to balance the goals of keeping the U.S. ahead in AI development while ensuring the technology is safe and protects Americans.
Clayton's past experience as SEC chair, particularly his handling of the Ripple case, adds a crypto angle to his new role. As SEC chairman, Clayton led the agency during a major crackdown on crypto companies, including a lawsuit against Ripple in December 2020. Some XRP supporters still blame him for the SEC's actions against Ripple, but others point to his later work in the crypto industry as a sign that his views may have changed.
The Super Intelligence Force will address AI risks without creating rules that could slow innovation or competition. Clayton's team will review existing laws and consider what new actions Congress may need to take. The administration's goal is to make the U.S. a leader in AI development while ensuring the technology is safe and protects Americans.