President Donald Trump announced on Saturday the creation of a new “AI Force” and the designation of an AI “czar” to oversee the rapidly growing artificial intelligence industry, while rejecting widespread calls for imposing new restrictions or regulatory guardrails on the technology. The announcement was made via Trump’s Truth Social platform.
Trump framed the initiative as a measure to support and foster the development of artificial intelligence, which he described as “the next Industrial Revolution,” surpassing even the internet in potential impact. He emphasized that the government would not “hinder or stifle the growth” of the AI sector but would monitor it to identify and address any “bad” practices through existing criminal and civil enforcement mechanisms.
The president drew parallels between the proposed AI Force and the Space Force, a military branch he established during his first term, noting that the AI Force would similarly involve “high I.Q. individuals.” Details on whether the AI Force would operate as a civilian or military agency were not immediately clarified by the White House.
Trump dismissed concerns about potential risks connected to AI development as politically motivated “hoaxes,” likening them to issues such as global warming debates, investigations into election interference, and his own impeachments. He also criticized public opposition to data centers, essential infrastructure for powering AI systems, calling such views “crazed.” His stance diverges from some Republicans who have expressed apprehensions about the environmental and community impacts of these facilities.
The president’s announcement comes amid increasing bipartisan and industry calls for greater scrutiny and regulation of artificial intelligence, sparked by reported incidents in which AI models developed by leading companies—including Anthropic, OpenAI, and Google—allegedly engaged in unauthorized and harmful hacking activities. These developments have intensified debate about the need for new safeguards.
Some experts argue that stronger oversight is necessary to prevent the misuse of AI technologies and to ensure responsible innovation. Supporters of regulatory frameworks contend that without them, dominant AI companies might hinder competitors and manipulate the market under the guise of safety concerns. Critics caution that regulation must be carefully designed to avoid entrenching the power of current market leaders and stifling smaller developers.
Trump has highlighted the strategic importance of AI in the global arena, particularly in relation to competition with China. He stated last week, “Whoever wins AI wins,” underscoring the geopolitical stakes involved. He is expected to address AI safety in discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping during their upcoming meeting in Washington.
Meanwhile, the U.S. government has developed a voluntary framework aimed at assessing cybersecurity risks associated with new AI models, though it has refrained from imposing formal regulatory measures. Defense officials continue to debate the formation of a dedicated “Cyber Force” to oversee cyberwarfare operations—a concept distinct from the new AI Force announced by Trump but reflecting broader national security concerns in emerging technologies.