President Donald Trump announced plans on Saturday to create an “AI Force” and appoint an artificial intelligence “czar” as debate intensifies in Washington over how the rapidly developing technology should be managed.
Trump made the announcement in a lengthy post on Truth Social, comparing the proposed AI Force to the Space Force, which he established during his first term. He did not explain whether the new organization would be a military branch or civilian agency, how it would be structured or what responsibilities it would have.
Trump Says AI Growth Should Not Be Stifled
Trump described AI as a technology with potentially major economic implications and said the United States must maintain its lead over China.
“AI is the next Industrial Revolution, or Internet, but will be even larger and more impactful,” Trump wrote, adding that he intends to keep the United States ahead of other countries.
He also rejected calls for additional federal restrictions, saying the government should support the industry while using existing criminal and civil laws to address harmful conduct.
Trump has repeatedly argued that additional regulation could slow U.S. AI development and weaken the country’s ability to compete with China.
Details Of AI Czar Role Remain Unclear
Trump said he would announce the AI czar “in the near future” and added, “Only High I.Q. individuals need apply.”
The position would be the second AI czar associated with Trump’s administration. Venture capitalist David Sacks previously served as Trump’s AI and cryptocurrency czar before stepping down in March after reaching the time limit for his service as a special government employee. Sacks later moved into an external advisory role.
The White House had not provided details on who Trump is considering for the new position or what authority the czar would have.
Announcement Comes Amid AI Safety Debate
Trump’s announcement comes as technology executives, researchers and policymakers debate whether the development of increasingly capable AI systems should be slowed or subject to additional safeguards.
Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei has called for a global slowdown in AI development, while OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Elon Musk have expressed support for greater caution. Former AI researchers have also publicly raised concerns about potential risks from increasingly powerful systems.
Trump has characterized many concerns about AI as exaggerated while maintaining that existing laws can be used against harmful applications.
The announcement also comes ahead of Trump’s scheduled meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, with AI expected to be among the issues discussed as Washington and Beijing compete for technological leadership. U.S. Treasury officials and Chinese counterparts have also discussed establishing an AI safety dialogue.
Provided by Dallas Express
