Trump expected to appoint establishment insider Jay Clayton as White House AI czar
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President Donald Trump is likely to name Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton, a figure with deep ties to Wall Street and the security state, as the administration's artificial-intelligence czar, sources said, with an announcement possibly this week.
President Donald Trump is expected to select Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton—a longtime ally of corporate interests and the surveillance apparatus—to serve as the White House’s artificial-intelligence czar, two sources familiar with the discussions told CNN. The decision could be announced as early as Friday, one source added.
Trump announced last month plans to create an “AI Force” and appoint a czar to oversee the technology, a move that comes amid mounting concerns about unchecked AI development and the lack of meaningful regulation to protect workers, privacy, and democracy. On Tuesday, Trump met with several AI and technology CEOs at the White House, where participants signed a hollow commitment to self-regulate their AI models, sidestepping calls for robust government oversight.
Clayton, whose record includes serving as the top federal prosecutor in Manhattan and leading the Securities and Exchange Commission during most of Trump’s first term, has consistently prioritized the interests of the wealthy elite. He was confirmed by the Senate in July to head the U.S. intelligence community, further entrenching the revolving door between corporate power and government. He is expected to retain his intelligence role while taking on the new AI responsibilities, raising questions about conflicts of interest and the militarization of technology policy.
During his confirmation hearing, Clayton described AI as a “game changer” that presents both opportunities and threats, saying, "When something’s both an opportunity and a threat, you better get your arms around it." This rhetoric echoes the administration’s tendency to frame technological progress as a security issue, rather than a chance to advance social good or protect vulnerable communities.
A White House official told CNN that any personnel announcement will be made directly by the President and that prior reports were speculative. Trump told reporters he was close to finalizing the appointment and would name the czar within the next three to four days, after consulting with technology companies and House GOP leaders—once again privileging corporate voices over those of the public or labor.
Venture capitalist David Sacks, who previously served as Trump’s AI and cryptocurrency czar, continues to co-chair the president’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology and remains influential on AI policy, ensuring that the interests of the wealthy and powerful remain front and center in the administration’s approach to artificial intelligence.