WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Saturday via a Truth Social post that he will create an 'AI Force' and appoint an 'AI czar' to oversee artificial intelligence development in the United States. The initiatives aim to accelerate AI growth while addressing potential risks, though no further details on implementation, structure, or personnel were provided.
Core Developments
- Trump stated the 'AI Force' will function similarly to the previously established Space Force, though specifics about its authority, funding, or operational scope remain undisclosed.
- The president emphasized that the new role of 'AI czar' will require 'high IQ individuals', with no appointee named at this time.
Rationale and Policy Stance
Trump framed the initiatives as a response to what he described as efforts to 'decimate' or 'destroy' AI, attributing such concerns to political opponents. He wrote: 'Over the years, there have been many Hoaxes, all generated by the Radical Left Dumocrats, for purposes of destroying our Country... and now, the decimation, or destruction, of AI.'
In the same post, Trump reiterated his opposition to additional AI regulation, asserting: 'We will not in any way hinder or stifle the Growth of this incredible Industry. Rather, we will cherish it, help it, and watch over it, as it grows!' He added that existing criminal and civil justice systems would be sufficient to address any misuse of AI technology.
Industry and Political Reactions
The announcement follows recent warnings from AI researchers and executives about the technology's potential risks. Former Anthropic researcher Jacob Coxon stated earlier this month that 'people building AI earnestly believe that it could kill us all by the end of the decade.' Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei and other industry leaders have called for slowed AI development to implement stronger safeguards.
Trump has dismissed these concerns, labeling them a 'hoax' and framing AI as the 'next Industrial Revolution', potentially accounting for up to 25% of U.S. GDP. He has also positioned the initiatives as a means to maintain U.S. leadership in AI, particularly in competition with China.
Previous AI Czar and Advisory Role
Venture capitalist David Sacks previously served as Trump’s White House AI & Crypto Czar before stepping down in March 2026. Sacks has echoed Trump’s skepticism of new AI regulations, arguing that developers should be held liable for product safety rather than advocating for federal rules.
White House Response
The White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the announcement. The initiatives are expected to be further detailed in the coming weeks, though no timeline for implementation has been provided.
Broader Context
The announcement comes ahead of Trump’s scheduled meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, where AI leadership is expected to be a key topic. Both nations view AI as critical to economic and military strength, with the U.S. and China engaged in a competitive race to dominate the technology.
Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have previously attempted to advance AI regulation, but legislative efforts have stalled. Some members of Congress are revisiting the issue amid renewed warnings about AI safety.