Trump Names Jay Clayton to Lead AI Super Intelligence Force

President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social the creation of a "Super Intelligence Force" tasked with coordinating the federal government's effort to keep the United States ahead in artificial intelligence. The force lists Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton as its first‑among‑equals and has been widely reported as the administration's new AI czar.

AI Task Force Details

The Super Intelligence Force will engage consumers, public interest groups, religious organizations, critical infrastructure providers and AI companies. Other appointed leaders include FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson, Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering Emil Michael, and Office of Personnel Management Director Scott Kupor. The group reports directly to President Trump and White House chief of staff Susie Wiles.

Clayton's Crypto Background

Jay Clayton is a familiar name in the crypto sector. As SEC chair during Trump’s first term, he launched 57 enforcement actions against crypto firms and, in December 2020, sued Ripple Labs for $1.3 billion alleging the sale of XRP as an unregistered security. After leaving the SEC, he advised One River Asset Management and sat on Fireblocks' advisory board. In 2025, Trump installed Clayton as interim U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, where his office prosecuted Tornado Cash developer Roman Storm.

Key facts

• Trump creates a new Super Intelligence Force to steer U.S. AI policy.
• Jay Clayton named as the force's lead and de‑facto AI czar.
• Clayton previously oversaw 57 crypto enforcement cases as SEC chair.
• The SEC under Clayton sued Ripple for $1.3 billion over XRP.
• The force will coordinate with a broad set of stakeholders and report to the White House.

Key facts

• Trump creates a new Super Intelligence Force to steer U.S. AI policy.
• Jay Clayton named as the force's lead and de‑facto AI czar.
• Clayton previously oversaw 57 crypto enforcement cases as SEC chair.
• The SEC under Clayton sued Ripple for $1.3 billion over XRP.
• The force will coordinate with a broad set of stakeholders and report to the White House.