President Donald Trump identified Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton as a strong candidate for the role of AI czar on Tuesday. The president stated he intends to finalize the selection within three or four days as the administration moves to formalize federal oversight of artificial intelligence.
Clayton currently serves as the president's primary intelligence adviser, overseeing the 18-agency intelligence community. During his July confirmation hearing, Clayton described artificial intelligence as both an opportunity and a threat, a characterization he compared to the approach of Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. He noted that when a technology presents both risks and rewards, it requires immediate and comprehensive attention.
The precise duties of the AI czar have not yet been defined. Trump previously proposed the creation of an "AI Force," a new government agency dedicated to these matters. The role has gained prominence as calls for government intervention in the sector intensify. Earlier in the day, Trump met with House Speaker Mike Johnson and various AI executives to discuss balancing innovation with safety. The discussion included encouraging companies to regulate themselves and one another.
David Sacks, a venture capitalist who attended Tuesday's meeting, previously held the AI czar position. Sacks left that post in March after his special government employee status expired, though he continued to exert influence through an outside advisory role. Trump indicated that while he has someone in mind for the role, he specifically praised Clayton as a good man who is already in the right position to handle the task.