United States President Donald Trump has appointed National Intelligence Director Jay Clayton to lead a new White House artificial intelligence task force. Clayton will direct the “superintelligence working group” to deliver a risk and opportunity assessment within 120 days, following an administrative order signed on September 29 that renames the technology “superintelligence” across federal departments and agencies.
White House Task Force Targets Security Risks and Federal Oversight
The newly formed group includes Vice President JD Vance, Defense Minister Pete Hegseth, Treasury Minister Scott Bessent, and White House Chief of Staff Susan Wiles. Clayton stated that the initiative aims to safeguard the public interest and maintain American leadership in artificial intelligence. The panel will review related risks, examine reporting mechanisms for data breaches, cyberattacks, and security incidents, and issue recommendations for bolstering federal emergency response capabilities.
Jay Clayton Shifts From Crypto Enforcement to Artificial Intelligence Oversight
Securities and Exchange Commission during Trump’s first term, CoinDesk reported. During that tenure, he established the SEC’s cyber unit in 2017 to target initial coin offerings and digital asset activities, initiating 57 enforcement cases by the time he left office in 2020. CoinDesk noted that his regulatory enforcement approach laid the groundwork for high-profile legal battles, including a lawsuit against Ripple Labs over XRP token registrations.
Private Equity Background Informs Technology Infrastructure Focus
Following his time at the SEC, Clayton served on the board of directors at private equity giant Apollo Global Management, where he was involved with investments in artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure projects, according to CoinDesk reporting. In a recent CNBC interview cited by CoinDesk, Clayton described artificial intelligence as a national security issue while rejecting calls to halt the development of the technology, stating that he does not believe any Americans would view a pause as an effective strategy.
Common Questions About the Superintelligence Directive
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When was the superintelligence administrative order signed?
President Donald Trump signed the administrative order on September 29, mandating that federal executive departments and agencies refer to artificial intelligence as superintelligence. -
What is the primary deadline for the new working group?
Director Jay Clayton and the “superintelligence working group” must submit a comprehensive report detailing the risks and opportunities of artificial intelligence within 120 days of the directive. -
Who serves alongside Jay Clayton on the task force?
The working group includes Vice President JD Vance, Defense Minister Pete Hegseth, Treasury Minister Scott Bessent, and White House Chief of Staff Susan Wiles, according to reporting.
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