President Donald Trump is expected to appoint Jay Clayton as the new artificial intelligence czar, according to media reports citing unidentified sources.
Previously, Trump posted on Truth Social that he planned to create an AI Force modeled after the Space Force and appoint an artificial intelligence czar to manage the fast-growing sector without adding regulations that could slow innovation. The administration also gathered AI and technology chiefs at the White House to sign a commitment to self-police their companies' models and development.
CBS News first reported that Clayton was the frontrunner for the position, though a White House official dismissed the reports as speculation, stating that any announcement would come directly from the president. Sources indicated that Clayton is expected to remain in his current role as director of national intelligence, a position to which the Senate confirmed him in July.
Clayton previously led the Securities and Exchange Commission during Trump's first term and served as interim US Attorney for the Southern District of New York. During his July confirmation hearing, Clayton described artificial intelligence as a game changer, noting that it represents both an opportunity and a threat.
The anticipated appointment follows previous leadership in the technology policy space. Venture capitalist David Sacks previously served a 130-day tenure as crypto and AI czar before transitioning to continue making policy recommendations as co-chair of the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology.
