Trump Names Jay Clayton to Lead New AI Task Force

US President Donald Trump has named Jay Clayton, the national intelligence chief, to lead a new White House task force focused on artificial intelligence (AI). The announcement, made on Trump's Truth Social platform, comes as concerns grow about the potential risks of AI technology. The task force, informally dubbed the 'Super Intelligence Force' by Trump, aims to maintain US leadership in AI development while safeguarding American interests.

Clayton succeeds venture capitalist David Sacks, who previously held the role. Sacks, along with Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, continues to advise Trump on AI matters. The task force's creation follows Trump's earlier pledge to establish an AI force similar to the Space Force he created during his first term. Clayton, a former Wall Street lawyer and SEC chairman, is known for his pro-business stance and past enforcement actions against the crypto industry.

Trump has resisted calls for stricter AI regulations, arguing that such measures could give Chinese firms a competitive edge. Instead, he supports self-regulation by tech companies, as demonstrated by a recent White House meeting where tech bosses committed to policing AI use. Clayton emphasized the importance of US primacy in AI, stating that falling behind could increase risks from adversaries. His comments reflect growing unease in Washington about AI's potential to disrupt jobs and society.

Recent incidents, including breaches involving OpenAI's systems, have heightened concerns about AI's unchecked development. Despite these risks, Trump maintains that federal law enforcement can address misuse of the technology. The new task force will navigate these challenges as AI's role in national security and economic competitiveness becomes increasingly critical.