Trump reportedly picks Jay Clayton as AI czar to lead a new 'Super Intelligence Force'

President Donald Trump has chosen Jay Clayton, the current Director of National Intelligence, as the country's new artificial intelligence czar, Inside AI reports, citing sources familiar with the decision. The appointment was first reported by The Wall Street Journal. Clayton will lead a newly formed White House task force called the Super Intelligence Force. It has 120 days to assess the risks and opportunities of advanced AI and recommend which responsibilities the federal government should take on. Clayton replaces venture capitalist David Sacks, who stepped down as AI and crypto czar in March. In a statement to the Journal, Clayton said the president asked for a group to ensure "that we stay the leaders in superintelligence, and that the interests of the American people are put first." The selection follows a White House meeting last week at which AI executives signed a voluntary safety agreement that Trump called "morally binding." It also comes as concern grows over hacking incidents involving autonomous AI agents and warnings from leading researchers. Inside AI says the move signals an effort to balance innovation with oversight, though Trump has consistently opposed mandatory regulation. The task force's findings could shape how federal agencies divide responsibility for overseeing frontier AI development. The administration has not yet given details of the task force's membership or powers.