Washington: US President Donald Trump has announced the creation of a new federal task force focused on artificial intelligence, naming National Intelligence Director Jay Clayton to help lead the initiative as the administration seeks to strengthen the country’s position in advanced AI development.

Trump has called the new body the “Super Intelligence Force” (SIF). The initiative is intended to coordinate the federal government’s approach to rapidly developing AI technologies and ensure that the United States remains a leading force in the field.

Clayton will lead the task force alongside several senior administration officials, including Federal Trade Commission Chairman Andrew Ferguson, Pentagon technology official 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 task force is expected to engage with a broad range of groups involved in AI, including technology companies, consumers, public-interest organisations, religious organisations and operators of critical infrastructure. Its responsibilities are intended to cover both the opportunities created by advanced AI and the potential risks associated with its rapid development.

The announcement comes as AI has become an increasingly important issue in US economic and national-security policy. Advanced AI systems are being developed rapidly, while governments and technology companies are debating questions involving cybersecurity, employment, regulation and responsible deployment.

The administration has placed strong emphasis on maintaining US technological competitiveness, particularly in relation to China. Trump has argued that excessive regulation could weaken America’s position in the global technology race, while policymakers and technology experts continue to debate how much government oversight is appropriate.

The new task force is also being established amid growing discussion about AI safety. Some researchers and technology leaders have warned that increasingly capable systems could create significant risks if they are deployed without adequate safeguards. Other industry figures have argued that rapid development is necessary to maintain economic and strategic competitiveness.

The initiative follows a recent White House meeting with executives from major AI companies. Technology companies have also agreed to a voluntary framework involving internal controls and external assessments of certain AI systems.

The administration’s decision to place the national intelligence director in a central role also reflects the growing connection between AI and national security. Advanced AI can potentially affect cybersecurity, intelligence analysis, critical infrastructure and military technology.

The task force is expected to examine the government’s role in managing these developments while supporting technological innovation. Its work could contribute to future decisions on AI policy and federal oversight.

Trump’s announcement represents a significant step in the administration’s effort to establish a coordinated federal approach to advanced AI. The task force’s recommendations and future activities could influence how Washington balances technological competition, economic opportunity, national security and public safeguards.

As AI development continues at a rapid pace, the new federal group will face the challenge of bringing together different government agencies and stakeholders while addressing competing views over regulation and innovation.