Trump expected to tap DNI Jay Clayton as new AI czar
Por Avery Lotz — Axios
President Trump is expected to tap Jay Clayton, his director of national intelligence, for a new role as the White House’s artificial intelligence — or in Trump’s words, “super intelligence” — czar.
Why it matters: Clayton, who Trump previously told Axios would be a good idea for AI czar, is expected to take on the second title, sources told Axios.
- Calls for government intervention into AI’s rapid development are growing, but the president has repeatedly said he favors a light regulatory touch and has called fears about the tech’s threat to humanity a hoax.
- Trump had been warming to the idea of tapping Clayton, who as DNI has shown that he sees the security threats AI poses as serious.
Driving the news: Trump could make the announcement as soon as Friday, sources familiar confirmed to Axios.
- A White House official said in a statement to Axios that “[a]ny personnel announcement will be announced directly by the President. Any reporting until then is baseless speculation.”
Catch up quick: Asked by Axios earlier this week who he wants to be AI czar, Trump said: “I have somebody in mind.”
- Clayton is “a good man. He’s right here. That’s a good idea,” Trump added when prompted.
Zoom out: Trump announced last month that he’d create an “AI Force” and would soon name a new AI czar, but offered few details on what the Force would do.
- Since then, he’s huddled with several titans of the AI industry — some of whom have been key voices in advocating for a slowdown of the tech.
Flashback: Clayton was elevated to be Trump’s principle intelligence adviser atop the 18-agency intelligence community earlier this year after his prior DNI, Tulsi Gabbard, resigned in May.
- Previously the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Clayton’s qualifications received bipartisan blessings.
- After sidestepping questions over who won the 2020 election during his confirmation, Clayton was confirmed on party lines, without Democratic support.
Go deeper: Trump’s call for “AI Force” sets off weekend scramble
Fonte: Axios