Trump reportedly set to appoint intelligence chief Clayton as AI adviser

US President Donald Trump is expected to appoint Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton as his top adviser on artificial intelligence, according to a source familiar with the decision cited by the South China Morning Post. Trump has previously referred to the proposed position as an “AI tsar”. Clayton is already responsible for overseeing 18 US intelligence agencies as the country’s director of national intelligence.

He is expected to retain that role if he is also appointed to coordinate artificial-intelligence matters across the administration. The White House has not confirmed the selection. Asked about reports that Clayton had been chosen, a White House official said in a statement that personnel announcements would be made directly by Trump and described reporting before such an announcement as “baseless speculation”.

Trump said last month that he intended to name a new AI tsar and create an “AI force”, although he did not explain how either initiative would operate. The proposed appointment comes as AI researchers have warned that people developing the technology believe it could kill humans within a decade, according to the source material. The reported move would be the second time during Trump’s second term that he has named an adviser to oversee AI-related decisions.

Venture capitalist David Sacks held the role at the beginning of the term before leaving the White House. Sacks continues to advise Trump on AI and attended a meeting with the president and technology-industry executives on Tuesday. The report of a new AI tsar was first published by CBS, while the account of Clayton’s expected appointment came from a source familiar with the decision.

Until the president makes an announcement, Clayton’s reported selection remains unconfirmed. The available material does not provide further details about the proposed AI force, the scope of the adviser’s authority, or a timetable for the appointment.