Trump’s new AI czar heads to Silicon Valley for first sit-downs with top AI executives

Jay Clayton is taking his new job on the road. The Director of National Intelligence, recently named White House AI czar, is visiting Silicon Valley to meet the people building the technology he now oversees. The trip was announced on October 7, 2026. It marks his first major face-to-face engagement with the tech sector in the AI role. Who he is meeting, and why it matters Clayton’s planned meetings include Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. One runs the company selling the chips that power modern AI. The other runs one of the best-known companies using them. The visit comes after a busy few months for Clayton. The Senate confirmed him as Director of National Intelligence on July 28, 2026, by a vote of 51-47. He formally took office on August 3, 2026. Then, in early October, the Trump administration named him White House AI czar. In that capacity, he effectively leads a newly created body called the “Super Intelligence Force.” The mandate is to assess risks, weigh opportunities, and report back. The task force has some recognizable names on its roster. Members include Vice President JD Vance and former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. The 120-day clock and the S...