Trump expected to appoint intelligence chief Jay Clayton as White House AI czar

President Donald Trump is expected to select Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton 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 amid calls for stronger safeguards. He met with several AI and technology CEOs at the White House on Tuesday, where participants signed a commitment to improve self-regulation of their AI models.

Clayton, who previously served as the top federal prosecutor in Manhattan and led the Securities and Exchange Commission during most of Trump’s first term, was confirmed by the Senate in July to head the U.S. intelligence community. He is expected to retain his intelligence role while taking on the new AI responsibilities.

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."

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.

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.