Trump announces ‘AI Force’ to oversee rapidly growing technology

US President Donald Trump has announced plans to create an “AI Force” and appoint an artificial intelligence “czar” as concerns grow over the rapid development of the technology.

In a social media post on Saturday (September 19), Trump compared the proposed force with the Space Force, which he established during his first term, but gave no details on its structure, powers, budget or when it would begin operating.

The White House also did not immediately clarify whether the force would be civilian or military.

Trump said the initiative would help oversee the industry without restricting its growth.

He rejected calls from technology leaders and others for a slower pace of AI development, arguing that existing criminal and civil laws could be used to address harmful or unlawful uses of the technology.

The announcement comes amid renewed debate in the United States over AI safety.

Some technology executives and researchers have warned about potential risks from increasingly capable systems, while Trump has dismissed what he describes as exaggerated fears about AI.

Trump has also framed continued AI development as important to maintaining US technological leadership over China. The proposed initiative comes ahead of his planned meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, where AI is expected to be among the issues discussed.

Trump previously had an AI and crypto czar, venture capitalist David Sacks, who left the formal role earlier this year but remains involved as a presidential science and technology adviser.