The former spy who will head Trump's AI team
US President Donald Trump has appointed former Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton to lead a new artificial intelligence task force. The team will coordinate government relations with consumers, companies, and religious organizations. The appointment has sparked criticism, including from Senator Elizabeth Warren who called for regulation of the field. Trump rejects legislation that would oversee the development of the technology.
US President Donald Trump has appointed Jay Clayton, former Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission and Director of National Intelligence, to head a new artificial intelligence task force. The team, which will report directly to Trump and Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, will coordinate federal government relations with consumers, companies, religious organizations, and critical infrastructure providers. Alongside Clayton, FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson and Deputy Secretary of Defense Emil Michael will serve. The appointment has sparked criticism, mainly from Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren who called for regulation of the field. Trump rejects legislation to oversee the development of artificial intelligence, amid a public debate on potential risks. Last week, Trump and leading AI company executives signed a "morally binding" document imposing responsibility on companies for technology safety. Trump is trying to rebrand the field as "super intelligence" and wrote on social media about the team's roles. He opposes slowing development, arguing the US leads the race against China. Chinese President Xi Jinping recently visited Washington, and days later Trump ruled out a joint AI venture with China over fears of secret leaks.