Trump has assigned Jay Clayton to coordinate federal AI policy as Congress faces a short post-election window for funding, defense legislation and a dispute over the Kennedy Center.
President Donald Trump’s new “Super Intelligence Force” puts Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton in charge of coordinating federal artificial intelligence policy. The task force is expected to deliver a 120-day report on AI risks, opportunities and the federal government’s role.
Its review will cover existing law, possible congressional action and how agencies report breaches, hacks and model “jailbreaks.” Clayton will work with FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson, Pentagon technology chief Emil Michael and Office of Personnel Management Director Scott Kupor. Vice President JD Vance, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, David Sacks and Condoleezza Rice are also listed among participants. The force reports to Trump and Chief of Staff Susie Wiles.
The reported charter points in two directions: responding to AI-enabled threats while avoiding regulation that could restrain innovation or competition. Trump has favored a voluntary framework over broad new rules. The report may clarify the administration’s priorities, but it is not legislation; recommendations requiring new statutory authority would still need Congress. Putting an intelligence official in charge frames AI partly as a national-security issue, while leaving the scope of other agencies’ and lawmakers’ roles unsettled.
Congressional business is unresolved, but the funding deadline is not immediate. Agencies are funded under H.R. 6500, signed September 2, through December 11, 2026. Without full-year appropriations or another continuing resolution, a funding gap could begin December 12—not in October. Lawmakers have a consequential deadline approaching, but no immediate shutdown confrontation.
The Senate is expected to return the week of November 9. Its post-election schedule includes about eight session days in November and 14 in December, leaving limited floor time for appropriations, the National Defense Authorization Act and other measures. The compressed calendar raises the risk that negotiations will collide and forces lawmakers to prioritize during the lame-duck session.
The FY2027 NDAA remains unfinished. The House passed H.R. 8800, a $1.15 trillion measure, by 216-212 on July 22. Senate cloture on S. 4784 failed 50-46 on July 14. Those votes did not produce a final agreement: the chambers still need a path to completed legislation. The defense bill will compete with spending negotiations when lawmakers return.
A narrower dispute over the John F. Kennedy Center tests Congress’s authority over federal property and memorials. A bipartisan proposal from Democratic Sen. Jeff Merkley, Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski and Democratic Rep. Chellie Pingree would bar demolition without an act of Congress. The bill states that a memorial designated by Congress “may not be demolished unless authorized by an act of Congress.” Republican Sen. Mike Lee blocked an attempt to advance it quickly; sponsors may attach it to must-pass legislation later this year.
A federal judge has ordered the administration to provide at least 30 days’ notice before taking steps to demolish the center. Trump told Time he was “not committing to anything” and that the matter would be addressed through the courts. Congress has appropriated $257 million for deferred maintenance, but that funding does not determine who may authorize demolition. The proposed measure would make Congress’s role explicit; its prospects remain uncertain amid the crowded calendar.
The developments place the administration’s AI direction in executive hands for now, while Congress retains the authority to legislate. The task force’s report may shape debate, but the immediate test for lawmakers is whether they can resolve funding and defense priorities before the December deadline—and decide whether to assert a more explicit role in the Kennedy Center’s future.
Miles Harrington serves as the Senior Correspondent for Federal Systems & Executive Power at Just Right News, where he brings a disciplined, constitutionalist lens to the inner workings of the American government. With a focus on the mechanics of the federal bureaucracy and the limits of executive authority, Harrington has established himself as a vital voice for readers who value transparency, accountability, and the preservation of the separation of powers.
A native of Richmond, Virginia, Harrington’s perspective is deeply rooted in the traditions of the Old Dominion. Growing up in a city defined by its historical significance and its role as a center of American jurisprudence, he developed an early appreciation for the foundational principles of the Republic. His upbringing in Richmond—a place where the legacy of the Founding Fathers is woven into the landscape—instilled in him a belief that the federal government should remain within its constitutional bounds. This background informs his skepticism of centralized overreach and his commitment to reporting on the ways in which the administrative state impacts the lives of everyday citizens.
In his current role, Harrington specializes in the complexities of federal systems. He doesn’t just report on the headlines of the day; he digs into the structural shifts within the executive branch that often go unnoticed by the mainstream press. Whether he is analyzing the implications of a new federal regulation or investigating the expansion of agency jurisdiction, his work is characterized by a rigorous adherence to the facts and a dedication to the rule of law.
Harrington is perhaps best known for his signature feature series, “How Washington Works.” Through this ongoing project, he demystifies the often-opaque processes of the nation’s capital, pulling back the curtain on the “Deep State” and the unelected officials who wield significant influence over national policy. By breaking down complex legislative maneuvers and executive orders, he empowers Just Right News readers to understand the true levers of power in Washington. His reporting serves as a necessary check on the federal government, ensuring that the actions of those in power are held up to the light of public scrutiny.
Now based in Washington, D.C., Harrington operates at the epicenter of the political world, yet he remains intentionally distanced from the “Beltway bubble.” His proximity to the halls of power allows him to maintain a robust network of sources across the federal landscape, but his heart remains in the principled conservatism of his Virginia roots. He views his role not merely as a reporter, but as a steward of the public trust, dedicated to providing the clarity and context that conservative voters need to navigate an increasingly complex political environment.
Through his sharp analysis and unwavering commitment to the truth, Miles Harrington continues to be a cornerstone of the Just Right News team. His work ensures that the principles of limited government and executive restraint remain at the forefront of the national conversation, providing a crucial service to those who believe in a government that is truly of, by, and for the people.