Trump selects Jay Clayton to lead federal AI task force

President Donald Trump selected Jay Clayton, his director of national intelligence, on Sunday to lead a new government task force on artificial intelligence. The selection names a leader for the new federal group.

Trump said in a Sunday social media post that the task force would coordinate federal efforts to maintain American leadership in the technology. He described protecting Americans' interests and improving their lives as goals of that effort.

The president said the task force would reach out to consumers, public interest groups, religious organizations, critical infrastructure providers and AI companies. His stated outreach plans extend to several groups beyond the companies developing the technology.

Other members include Federal Trade Commission Chairman Andrew Ferguson, Pentagon Chief Technology Officer Emil Michael and Office of Personnel Management Director Scott Kupor.

The group will report to Trump and his chief of staff, Susie Wiles.

President Trump announced Saturday that he plans to create an ‘AI Force’ and appoint an ‘AI Czar’ to oversee the emerging technology's development. The announcement set out plans for both a new organization and an oversight role.

The president compared the proposed agency with the Space Force, which he established during his first term. He did not explain how the AI Force would operate or specify the duties it would carry out.

Writing on Truth Social, Trump said he would support the industry's growth and watch over its development. He also said the existing criminal and civil justice system could be used to look for wrongdoing.

Trump has resisted new federal restrictions, arguing that slowing the industry could jeopardize the United States' global position in AI. His administration has emphasized faster development alongside guidelines intended to address potential problems.

Trump proposes an ‘AI Force’ and a new technology overseer

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