Washington: The United States has announced a new federal task force dedicated to coordinating the government’s approach to artificial intelligence, in a move that signals a stronger focus on maintaining American leadership in the rapidly developing technology sector.

President Donald Trump has named the initiative the “Super Intelligence Force” (SIF) and said it will coordinate federal efforts to ensure that the United States remains at the forefront of advanced AI development while protecting American interests.

Jay Clayton to Lead the New Force

Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton will lead the new task force. Other senior officials named to its leadership include Federal Trade Commission Chairman Andrew Ferguson, Pentagon Chief Technology Officer Emil Michael and Office of Personnel Management Director Scott Kupor. The group will report directly to Trump and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles.

The composition of the force brings together officials responsible for intelligence, technology regulation, defense and government personnel, reflecting the administration’s view that AI has implications across multiple areas of national policy.

Focus on AI Leadership and National Interests

The new force is expected to coordinate the federal government’s engagement with AI companies, consumers, public-interest organizations, critical infrastructure providers and other stakeholders.

Trump has described advanced AI as a technology capable of having an impact comparable to major technological transformations such as the Industrial Revolution and the internet. The administration wants the United States to remain ahead of competing countries in the development of increasingly capable AI systems.

Jay Clayton has similarly argued that maintaining a leading position in AI could help the United States manage risks arising from technological competition and potential threats from rival countries.

Government Changes Its AI Terminology

The creation of the task force follows an executive order issued by Trump that directs federal agencies, where legally permitted, to use the terms “Super Intelligence” and “SI” instead of “Artificial Intelligence” and “AI” in official government communications.

The order describes the change as reflecting what the administration considers the increasingly advanced capabilities of modern AI systems.

The terminology change is part of a broader effort by the administration to present advanced AI as a strategic technology rather than simply another digital tool.

AI Safety Debate Continues

The announcement comes amid an ongoing debate over how quickly AI should develop and how much government oversight should be applied.

Major technology companies recently agreed to voluntary safety measures following a White House meeting with technology executives. The agreement includes internal evaluations, external audits and board-level reviews intended to improve oversight of advanced AI systems.

However, the administration has continued to emphasize innovation and competition, particularly the importance of maintaining U.S. technological leadership.

The new task force therefore faces a difficult balancing act: encouraging rapid technological development while addressing concerns about cybersecurity, misuse, safety, competition and the potential impact of increasingly powerful AI systems.

Intelligence and Defense Become Central to AI Policy

The appointment of the national intelligence director to lead the initiative also highlights the growing connection between AI and national security.

Advanced AI systems can potentially influence cybersecurity, intelligence analysis, military technology and critical infrastructure. At the same time, their capabilities could create new vulnerabilities if powerful systems are misused or exploited.

The task force is expected to examine these opportunities and risks while coordinating the federal government’s response.

A New Phase in U.S. AI Policy

The “Super Intelligence Force” represents a significant expansion of federal coordination around advanced AI. Instead of treating AI solely as a technology-sector issue, the initiative brings together intelligence, defense, regulation and government administration.

The exact regulatory powers and long-term structure of the force have not yet been fully detailed. Its effectiveness will likely depend on how it works with technology companies and Congress and how it balances innovation with safeguards.

For the global AI industry, the initiative also sends a clear message: the United States intends to make technological leadership in advanced AI a major national priority.