Donald Trump has unveiled a new US government taskforce dedicated to artificial intelligence, placing the intelligence chief Jay Clayton in charge as pressure grows for greater oversight of the rapidly developing technology.
US President Donald Trump has unveiled a new government taskforce focused on artificial intelligence, which he has renamed “Super Intelligence”, as his administration seeks to maintain America’s lead in the development of the technology.
The “Super Intelligence Force” will be led by Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton and will coordinate the US government’s engagement with technology companies, consumers and other groups, Trump said.
Trump wrote on Sunday (04.10.26): “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.”
The taskforce will also include Federal Trade Commission chair Andrew Ferguson, Undersecretary of Defense for Research, Engineering Emil Michael and Office of Personnel Management director Scott Kupor.
It will report directly to Trump and White House chief of staff Susie Wiles.
The move follows an executive order signed by Trump last week directing federal agencies to replace the term artificial intelligence with “SI” and “Super Intelligence” in official communications.
Trump has previously argued that the word “artificial” makes the technology sound “fake”.
The rebranding has been questioned by experts, who say “super intelligence” generally refers to AI systems that exceed human capabilities rather than the technology as a whole.
The new taskforce comes as pressure builds on the administration over AI safety.
Trump has generally rejected calls for tougher government regulation, instead backing greater self-regulation by technology companies.
On September 29, executives from major technology firms including OpenAI, Anthropic, SpaceX and Google signed what Trump described as a “morally binding” regulation pact.
OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman has argued that society should accept some risks from AI because of the benefits the technology could provide, while maintaining public access to increasingly capable systems.
The company has nevertheless faced growing scrutiny over the safety of its AI agents.
Last month, OpenAI withdrew the release of its latest model after it failed to meet the company’s safety standards.
Its systems have also been linked to a series of incidents, including an unauthorised breach involving Australian government systems.
Clayton, who became director of national intelligence in August, has previously described AI as both an opportunity and a threat.
He said: “When something’s both an opportunity and a threat, you better get your arms around it.”
Trump’s latest move suggests the administration wants closer oversight of the strategic development of AI, even as the president continues to resist calls for broad new regulation.
Donald Trump unveils ‘Super Intelligence’ taskforce
