Trump reportedly poised to name Jay Clayton as AI czar amid calls for oversight

Jay Clayton already runs the US intelligence community. He may soon run point on artificial intelligence too. President Donald Trump is reportedly preparing to designate Clayton, the sitting Director of National Intelligence, as the administration’s AI czar. The New York Times, Axios, CNN, and CBS News all reported the plan on October 2, 2026. Under the reported plan, Clayton would not give up his intelligence post. He would hold the AI czar title at the same time as his DNI responsibilities. Clayton’s own public comments point the same way. He has described super intelligence as a national security concern. He has also opposed calls to pause the development of AI models. Trump has called fears about AI risks exaggerated. His administration has favored US dominance in the field over heavy regulatory frameworks, taking a relatively hands-off approach to the industry. Clayton’s confirmation as DNI came on July 28, 2026. The Senate vote was 51-47. What is still unknown The specific duties of the AI czar role remain undefined. Trump has floated the idea of creating an “AI Force,” an agency dedicated to the technology. How a czar would fit alongside that body, if it materializes, has no...