The task force will report to Trump and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles.

Jay Clayton, US President Donald Trump’s nominee to be Director of National Intelligence, testifies during a Senate Intelligence Committee confirmation hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, US, on July 15, 2026. — Reuters/File

US President Donald Trump has appointed Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton to lead a new White House task force focused on artificial intelligence (AI), as concerns grow over the risks and rapid development of the technology.

Trump has named the initiative the “Super Intelligence Force,” reflecting his administration’s preference for using the term “Super Intelligence” instead of artificial intelligence. The task force will coordinate federal efforts to maintain US leadership in advanced AI technologies and address their potential risks.

Trump said the initiative would also work to protect American interests and improve the lives of US citizens.

Trump Creates New Super Intelligence Force

The task force will engage with consumers, public-interest groups, religious organizations, critical infrastructure providers and AI companies as the administration develops its approach to the rapidly evolving technology.

Besides Clayton, the leadership group includes Federal Trade Commission Chairman Andrew Ferguson, Pentagon technology official Emil Michael and Office of Personnel Management Director Scott Kupor.

The task force will report to Trump and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles.

Trump had announced plans last month for a new federal AI force, comparing the initiative with the Space Force created during his first term.

The administration has also moved to formally promote the term “Super Intelligence” in place of “Artificial Intelligence” in federal government communications.

Jay Clayton Takes Key Role in AI Policy

Clayton is a longtime Wall Street lawyer who previously represented major financial institutions, including Goldman Sachs and Barclays.

He served as chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission during Trump’s first term, adopting a generally pro-business approach while the agency pursued enforcement actions involving the emerging cryptocurrency sector.

Trump later selected Clayton to lead federal prosecutors in Manhattan before nominating him as director of national intelligence. The US Senate confirmed him for the intelligence post in July.

Clayton does not have a traditional technology-sector background, but his current role in the intelligence community has brought him into discussions about the national security implications of advanced AI.

Growing Concerns Over AI Risks

The new task force comes amid growing concern among researchers, policymakers and members of the public about the potential consequences of increasingly capable AI systems.

Concerns include cybersecurity threats, misuse of autonomous systems, potential disruption to employment and the broader social impact of rapidly advancing technology.

The administration has generally argued against imposing regulations that could slow US AI development, with Trump warning that excessive restrictions could allow Chinese companies to gain an advantage.

At the same time, major technology companies have faced increasing pressure to strengthen safeguards around AI systems.

Following a White House meeting with technology executives, several leading AI companies agreed to voluntary measures aimed at strengthening internal controls and oversight of their systems.

US-China Competition at Centre of AI Strategy

The Trump administration has repeatedly stressed the importance of maintaining US leadership in AI amid intense competition with China.

Clayton has described advanced AI as both an opportunity and a national security challenge, arguing that remaining at the forefront of the technology could help the United States better address risks posed by foreign adversaries.

The new task force is expected to examine the opportunities and risks associated with advanced AI while helping coordinate the federal government’s response to the technology’s rapid development.