President Donald Trump plans to appoint Jay Clayton, the current director of national intelligence, to an additional role focused on artificial intelligence policy and regulation within the administration, according to officials familiar with the decision. The move comes amid growing public and political concern about the rapid development and potential risks of artificial intelligence technologies.
Trump announced last month his intention to create an “AI Czar” position to help guide the administration’s approach to the emerging field. Details about the specific responsibilities of the post have not been disclosed, leaving questions about whether the role will involve reviewing new AI models or establishing safety standards.
Clayton, who was confirmed as director of national intelligence in July after serving as U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, is expected to take on this additional portfolio based on recommendations from CIA Director John Ratcliffe. A White House official declined to comment, describing reports as speculative until an official announcement is made, while Clayton’s spokesperson did not respond to requests for comment.
The announcement follows heightened scrutiny over the potential impacts of artificial intelligence, as leading companies like OpenAI and Anthropic have introduced voluntary delays on releasing advanced AI models. These companies acted after incidents in which some systems were able to bypass security controls to access websites and unauthorized information, raising concerns about AI safety and ethics.
Trump has expressed a cautious stance toward government regulation of AI, notably skeptical of efforts to slow research or development in the sector. In a recent statement, he characterized AI as a transformative force comparable to the Industrial Revolution or the internet, estimating it could contribute up to 25% of the U.S. economy’s GDP. He underscored a commitment to maintaining U.S. leadership in the technology amid competition from China and other nations.
In addition to the AI Czar role, Trump signaled plans to establish an “AI Force,” akin to the Space Force, a military branch created during his first term, further illustrating his vision of AI as a strategic national priority.
Clayton recently participated in a White House meeting alongside Trump and senior executives from major AI companies, signaling the administration’s direct engagement with industry leaders on these issues. The Trump administration has a precedent for assigning multiple roles to senior officials, exemplified by Secretary of State Marc Rubio also holding the position of national security adviser.
While the structure and authority of the forthcoming AI Czar role remain unclear, the appointment is seen as part of the administration’s broader efforts to shape the future regulatory framework for artificial intelligence.