Trump Expected to Appoint Intel Chief Jay Clayton as White House AI Adviser

Multiple U.S. media outlets reported on Oct. 2 that President Donald Trump is expected to name Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton as the White House's senior AI adviser, replacing David Sacks, who left the role in March 2026. The announcement could come as soon as Oct. 2, according to reports.

Clayton currently oversees 18 U.S. intelligence agencies, a background that contrasts with the Silicon Valley venture capital experience of his predecessor. Observers interpreted the move as a signal that the White House's AI policy focus may shift toward security control. A White House official said any personnel appointment would be announced by the president, calling earlier reports speculation.

The reports come amid growing debate over AI safety in the United States. A Quinnipiac University poll released in the week of Oct. 2 found that 72% of U.S. voters opposed new data centers in their communities, up from 65% in March 2026. Security incidents involving AI agent systems also drew attention to AI risk ahead of the midterm elections.

Clayton, a former U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, became director of national intelligence in July 2026. In public remarks, he has described AI as both an opportunity and a threat, and called superintelligence a national security issue. He has also said he does not believe pausing AI development would be a good strategy.

Analysts say Clayton's security background could lead to stricter review mechanisms for AI systems, but his opposition to a development pause may ease fears of sharp regulatory tightening. Bloomberg reported that the appointment, if confirmed, would indicate the administration is not seeking to change its hands-off stance on AI, which remains a core part of Trump's economic agenda.