Trump Names Intelligence Chief Clayton to Lead New AI Task Force

President Donald Trump announced the creation of a "Super Intelligence Force" on Sunday, appointing Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton as chair. The task force will coordinate federal government engagement with AI companies, consumers, and critical infrastructure providers.

Clayton will serve alongside three vice chairs: Federal Trade Commission Chairman Andrew Ferguson, Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering Emil Michael, and Office of Personnel Management Director Scott Kupor. All four members report directly to Trump and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles.

“The Super Intelligence Force will coordinate the Federal Government's engagement with Consumers, Public Interest Groups, Religious Organizations, Critical Infrastructure Providers, and Super Intelligence Companies.”

The group has been given 120 days to deliver a report examining risks and opportunities associated with advanced AI systems. If the clock started on October 4, the deadline would fall around February 1, 2027.

The move follows Trump's September 29 executive order directing federal agencies to replace the term "artificial intelligence" with "Super Intelligence" in official communications. The president has previously dismissed AI safety warnings as a "hoax" and rejected mandatory regulation in favor of voluntary industry commitments.

Clayton, confirmed as intelligence director in July after chairing the SEC from 2017 to 2020, has argued against an industry-wide slowdown in AI development, saying it would be reckless to cede leadership to China. The task force lacks independent statutory authority or budget, drawing influence from the agencies its members already lead.