Jay Clayton Tapped to Lead Trump’s New AI Task Force
President Donald Trump has appointed Jay Clayton, former Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) chairman, to lead the newly established “Super Intelligence Force.” This task force, created to coordinate the federal response to artificial intelligence (AI), has a 120-day deadline to assess the technology’s opportunities, risks, and the government’s responsibilities.
The task force includes Federal Trade Commission Chairman Andrew Ferguson, Office of Personnel Management Director Scott Kupor, and Pentagon technology chief Emil Michael. It will report directly to Trump and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles. The group’s mandate also includes protecting innovation and competition while avoiding excessive regulation.
Clayton’s appointment holds particular significance for the crypto community. He chaired the SEC when it sued Ripple Labs in December 2020 over allegations of an unregistered securities offering involving XRP. The lawsuit, which ended in a $125 million civil penalty and an injunction against future violations, became a defining case in the regulation of digital assets.
Clayton’s previous remarks on digital assets suggest a nuanced view of technology’s potential and the need for safeguards. He has argued that digital assets could improve financial efficiency and broaden market access, while also acknowledging the risks. His new role brings this dual assessment into government policy, raising questions about how his task force will balance AI leadership with risk management.