Trump to name intelligence chief Clayton as AI tsar: Reports

What the report says

US President Donald Trump is expected to choose Jay Clayton, the director of national intelligence, to oversee the country’s artificial intelligence sector, according to multiple reports cited by Al Jazeera. CNN, CBS and Axios reported that Clayton may be named as Trump’s new “AI tsar,” with an announcement possibly coming as soon as Friday. The report comes as the White House faces growing pressure to take a more active role in regulating fast-moving AI technology.

Clayton has a long record in federal roles, including as the former US attorney for the Southern District of New York and as chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission. He was confirmed in July to lead the intelligence community. Al Jazeera noted that it is not yet clear whether he would hold the AI role in addition to his current intelligence duties. A White House official told Al Jazeera that any personnel announcement would come directly from the president.

The possible appointment follows Trump’s earlier pledge to name a new AI leader after the departure of former AI adviser David Sacks. It also comes amid wider debate over AI safety, with researchers warning about severe risks from the technology and the administration taking a hard line in some disputes with AI firms. Al Jazeera also linked the report to recent concerns around Anthropic and broader tensions between the government and the AI industry.