US President Donald Trump has appointed Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton to lead a new federal taskforce focused on artificial intelligence as his administration seeks to maintain US leadership in the rapidly developing technology.
Trump announced the “Super Intelligence Force” on Sunday, October 4, saying it will coordinate the federal government’s engagement with consumers, public interest groups, religious organisations, critical infrastructure providers and technology companies.
The taskforce will report directly to Trump and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles. Federal Trade Commission Chairman Andrew Ferguson, Undersecretary of Defense for Research and Engineering Emil Michael and Office of Personnel Management Director Scott Kupor will also serve on the taskforce.
“The Super Intelligence Force will coordinate the Federal Government’s engagement with Consumers, Public Interest Groups, Religious Organizations, Critical Infrastructure Providers, and Super Intelligence Companies,” Trump said in a social media post.
The announcement follows an executive order Trump signed on September 29 directing the executive branch to use the terms “Super Intelligence” and “SI” instead of “Artificial Intelligence” and “AI” in official communications and other non-statutory government materials.
The order does not universally rename artificial intelligence. Instead, it directs federal agencies to adopt the new terminology and instructs the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy to propose legislation establishing a federal definition of “Super Intelligence” within 60 days.
The new taskforce comes amid growing debate in the US over the development, safety and regulation of increasingly advanced AI systems. Trump has pushed for technological development while also seeking voluntary commitments from major technology companies on AI safety.
Last week, Trump said he would establish a board to oversee AI safety after leading technology companies signed what he described as a “morally binding” agreement on safeguards.
Clayton brings experience from both national security and financial regulation to the new role. He became the ninth Director of National Intelligence on August 3, 2026, after being confirmed by the Senate, having previously served as chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
The taskforce is expected to examine the opportunities and risks associated with advanced AI and help coordinate the federal government’s approach to the technology.
Clayton’s group will report its findings to Trump and the White House, with the process placing artificial intelligence at the centre of the administration’s efforts to protect US interests while maintaining its position in the global technology race.
