US President Donald Trump has appointed Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton to lead a new federal task force on artificial intelligence, as the administration moves to coordinate its approach to the rapidly developing technology across government.
Trump has named the group the “Super Intelligence Force,” reflecting his recent push to use the term “super intelligence” in place of artificial intelligence. The task force will coordinate federal efforts around the technology while focusing on maintaining US leadership and addressing its impact on Americans.
The group will engage with AI companies as well as consumers, public-interest groups, religious organisations and critical infrastructure providers. It will report directly to Trump and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles.
Alongside Clayton, the task force includes Federal Trade Commission Chairman Andrew Ferguson, Pentagon technology official Emil Michael and Office of Personnel Management Director Scott Kupor. The appointments bring together officials responsible for areas including national security, consumer interests, technology and the federal workforce.
The task force has been given 120 days to assess the risks and opportunities presented by AI and examine the federal government’s responsibilities as the technology develops. Its mandate also includes considering responses to AI-enabled threats while seeking to avoid regulation that could restrict innovation and competition.
The announcement follows a White House meeting with executives from major AI companies. Trump said participating companies signed a voluntary agreement covering the development of the technology, placing part of the responsibility for safeguards on the companies building advanced AI systems.
The formation of the task force comes as the US government faces questions over how to balance AI development with emerging concerns around cybersecurity, privacy, safety and increasingly autonomous systems. The administration has continued to emphasise US technological leadership while favouring a comparatively limited regulatory approach.
Clayton’s appointment places the country’s intelligence chief at the centre of that effort. The task force is expected to examine both the economic opportunities created by AI and risks involving national security and critical infrastructure.
Its findings could help shape the administration’s next steps on federal AI policy as competition over advanced AI technologies continues internationally.
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