The White House has formed a task force on artificial intelligence to assess the technology's risks and opportunities while preventing overregulation that stifles innovation. The task force is led by Jay Clayton, the US director of national intelligence, who is widely reported to be the new AI czar in the administration of US President Donald Trump. Although Clayton's appointment as AI czar has not been confirmed, he has been tasked with ensuring the US stays ahead in artificial intelligence.
Clayton, a longtime Wall Street lawyer, has no background in the tech industry but has experience representing major financial institutions, including Goldman Sachs and Barclays. He was tapped by Trump to lead federal prosecutors in Manhattan and was confirmed as intelligence chief in July. The task force has been given 120 days to report on the risks and opportunities of artificial intelligence.
The task force's charter states that it will develop plans for responding to AI-enabled threats to society while preventing overregulation and regulatory capture that would stifle innovation and competition. It will also recommend ways to improve the government's response capacity under existing authorities. Members of the task force include Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
Clayton emphasized the importance of the US being first in artificial intelligence, citing the high risk of not being first. He stated that being first will better enable the US to address risks on behalf of the American people, particularly from adversaries. The task force's goal is to ensure the US stays ahead in artificial intelligence and that the interests of the American people are put first.
The formation of the task force is part of Trump's efforts to prioritize artificial intelligence, which he refers to as "Super Intelligence." The task force will assess the technology's risks and opportunities and provide recommendations for moving forward. The White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the task force's plans.
The task force's members include high-ranking officials from various government agencies. Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will work together to develop plans for responding to AI-enabled threats. The task force's charter emphasizes the need to prevent overregulation and regulatory capture.
The White House's efforts to prioritize artificial intelligence come as the technology continues to evolve rapidly. The task force's report is expected to provide recommendations for ensuring the US stays ahead in artificial intelligence. Key points include preventing overregulation, assessing risks and opportunities, and prioritizing US interests.
Key points
- Jay Clayton to lead AI task force
- Task force to assess AI risks and opportunities
- US aims to stay ahead in artificial intelligence
