Trump announces AI Force and 'Czar' appointment to lead U.S. technology

U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that he is forming an "AI Force," modeled after the Space Force created during his first term, and will appoint an "AI Czar" in the near future to oversee the initiative. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said his administration would not "hinder or stifle" artificial intelligence development and pledged to support the industry's growth while monitoring for illegal activity through existing criminal and civil justice systems.

Trump characterized AI as the next industrial revolution or internet, potentially larger and more impactful than either. He claimed the technology could account for as much as 25% of U.S. gross domestic product and stated that maintaining American leadership in AI over China and other nations is a priority. Trump provided no structural details about the planned AI Force or specifics about the AI Czar role, though he stated that "only very smart people" would be eligible to apply.

The announcement comes amid growing international debate over AI's rapid development and potential risks. Multiple AI researchers and company leaders, including Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, have recently called for slowed AI development and increased regulatory oversight. Concerns range from safety vulnerabilities reported by major AI companies to warnings from researchers about existential risks. Trump has previously characterized such concerns as a "hoax," instead emphasizing the need to prevent AI's "decimation or destruction."

Trump's initiative reflects intensifying U.S.-China competition in advanced technology. The announcement precedes an expected discussion of AI policy during Trump's anticipated meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Meanwhile, legislative efforts to address AI regulation continue in the U.S. Congress and internationally, including in the United Kingdom, where lawmakers have called for new legislation to address AI's human rights implications and the pace of technological development.