Jay Clayton Photo: Getty Images
In the White House, Clayton is referred to as the new ‘AI czar’ – the official overseeing matters relating to artificial intelligence. The appointment came against a backdrop of growing concerns about AI security and debates over how strictly the state should regulate its development.
At the same time, the US administration is opposed to excessive regulation, fearing that it could weaken the country’s position in the technological competition with China. The aim of the new body is to strike a balance between protecting against AI-related threats and maintaining the pace of the industry’s development, reports Reuters.
He sacked Musk and headed the SEC
Clayton entered public service from the legal profession. For around 20 years, he worked as a partner at the New York law firm Sullivan & Cromwell.
In 2017, Clayton became chairman of the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). In this role, he generally pursued a business-friendly policy, although under his leadership the regulator began to crack down more vigorously on fraud, including in the cryptocurrency market.
One of the SEC’s most high-profile cases under Clayton was a lawsuit against Elon Musk over his tweet suggesting that Tesla might be taken private. The regulator deemed that Musk’s statement was misleading to investors. As a result, Musk stepped down as chairman of Tesla’s board of directors, and both he and the company agreed to pay a $20 million fine each.
Following Trump’s return to power, in November 2024 Clayton became the US Attorney for the Southern District of New York. And in August 2026, he became Director of National Intelligence.
‘The risk of not being first’
Clayton is now set to lead a task force which, over the course of four months, must assess the risks and opportunities posed by AI and determine what responsibilities the federal government should assume in this area. The task force will also examine existing mechanisms for reporting incidents – such as hacks, data breaches and other threats related to AI.
Clayton himself has already set out the top priority: the US must maintain its leadership in the development of cutting-edge AI systems.
“There is a significant risk of not being first. If we are not first, this will increase both known and unknown risks – primarily from our adversaries. Being first, however, will enable us to respond more effectively to these threats in the interests of the American people,” Clayton told The Wall Street Journal.
This story was translated with the assistance of artificial intelligence.The translation was also reviewed by the Logos Press editorial team.
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