Trump has appointed National Intelligence Director Jay Clayton to lead a new federal task force focused on America’s AI strategy, risks and technological leadership.
U.S. President Donald Trump has announced the creation of a new federal task force to coordinate the government’s approach to artificial intelligence, naming Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton to lead the initiative.
Trump has called the group the “Super Intelligence Force,” reflecting his administration’s recent effort to replace the term “artificial intelligence” with “Super Intelligence” or “SI” in federal government communications.
The task force will coordinate the federal government’s engagement with AI companies, consumers, public interest groups, religious organizations and critical infrastructure providers. It will report directly to Trump and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles.
Other senior officials joining the task force include Federal Trade Commission Chairman Andrew Ferguson, Pentagon Undersecretary of War for Research and Engineering Emil Michael, and Office of Personnel Management Director Scott Kupor.
The announcement comes days after Trump signed an executive order on Sept. 29 directing executive branch agencies to use “Super Intelligence” and “SI” instead of “Artificial Intelligence” and “AI” in official correspondence, public communications, websites, reports and other non-statutory documents. The order also directs the administration to develop a proposed federal definition of “Super Intelligence” within 60 days.
Trump has argued that the capabilities of modern AI systems go beyond what the original term “artificial intelligence” was intended to describe. His administration has presented the terminology change as part of a broader effort to recognize the rapidly advancing capabilities of the technology.
The new task force comes amid an ongoing debate in the United States over AI safety, regulation and the role of government. Trump has favored allowing the technology industry greater room to develop and manage AI risks, while critics and some technology figures have called for stronger safeguards and government oversight.
The administration’s approach also follows a recent White House meeting with major AI executives, where technology companies signed a voluntary agreement concerning the development and safety of advanced AI systems.
Clayton, who became director of national intelligence in August, has previously described AI as both an opportunity and a potential threat requiring careful management. His appointment places a senior national security official at the center of the administration’s new AI strategy.
The terminology shift has also drawn attention from technology leaders. Elon Musk said his company would rename its AI division from SpaceXAI to SpaceXSI, aligning the name with Trump’s preferred “Super Intelligence” terminology.
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