October 4, 2026, (Inside AI) — President Donald Trump has selected Jay Clayton, the current Director of National Intelligence, to serve as the nation's new artificial intelligence czar, according to sources familiar with the decision. Clayton will lead a newly formed White House task force named the Super Intelligence Force, which has been given 120 days to assess the risks and opportunities of advanced AI and recommend federal responsibilities.
The appointment, first reported by The Wall Street Journal, comes at a critical juncture for the AI industry. Safety concerns have intensified following a series of hacking incidents involving autonomous AI agents and stark warnings from leading researchers. Clayton replaces venture capitalist David Sacks, who stepped down as AI and crypto czar in March.
Clayton's selection follows a White House meeting last week where AI executives signed a voluntary safety agreement that Trump described as "morally binding." The move signals a push to balance innovation with oversight, though Trump has consistently opposed mandatory regulation.
"The president asked that a group be put together that was going to ensure exactly what he said, which is that we stay the leaders in superintelligence, and that the interests of the American people are put first," Clayton said in a statement to the Wall Street Journal.
Read: Trump and Tech CEOs Sign Four-Tier AI Self-Regulation Accord at White House
Trump has not yet publicly confirmed the appointment. In a September post on Truth Social, he announced plans to hire an AI czar, writing, "We will not in any way hinder or stifle the Growth of this incredible Industry. Rather, we will cherish it, help it, and watch over it, as it grows! Only High I.Q. individuals need apply!"
Clayton brings a diverse background to the role. Raised in Pennsylvania, he holds engineering and law degrees from the University of Pennsylvania and a master's in economics from King's College, London. He began his career as an attorney specializing in mergers and acquisitions, working at Sullivan & Cromwell from 1992 to 2001, where he became a partner. During the 2008 financial crisis, he advised on the sale of Bear Stearns to JPMorgan Chase and Barclays' acquisition of Lehman Brothers assets.
In 2016, Clayton was recommended for SEC chair by Joseph Shenker, then senior chairman of Sullivan & Cromwell, to Jared Kushner. He chaired the SEC from 2017 to 2020. Known as a golfing partner of Trump, Clayton later served as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York after a Senate confirmation. In July 2026, he was confirmed as Director of National Intelligence, overseeing 18 intelligence agencies.
The creation of the Super Intelligence Force reflects Trump's preference for the term "superintelligence" over "AI." The task force's 120-day deadline underscores the urgency to address both national security and economic implications. Industry leaders like Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman have called for federal guardrails, but Trump has favored voluntary standards.
Clayton's dual role as intelligence chief and AI czar raises questions about potential conflicts and the militarization of AI oversight. His extensive legal and regulatory experience may help navigate these complexities. The appointment also highlights the growing intersection of AI, national security, and economic policy.
As the Super Intelligence Force begins its work, stakeholders will watch closely for its recommendations. The outcome could shape U.S. AI policy for years, balancing innovation with safety in a rapidly evolving landscape.
