Trump Announces New 'AI Force' and 'AI Czar' to Oversee US Artificial Intelligence Industry

United States President Donald Trump announced on social media that he will create a new "AI Force" and appoint an "AI czar" to oversee the development of the nation's artificial intelligence industry. Trump stated in a Saturday post on Truth Social that the initiative aims to protect and advance the sector, which he described as "the next Industrial Revolution" and vital for US economic growth and competition against China.

In his announcement, Trump emphasized a pro-growth and anti-regulatory approach, stating that the administration would not hinder or stifle the industry's expansion. However, the president did not provide specific details regarding the composition of the proposed "AI Force," its exact operational scope, or a timeline for when he will appoint the new adviser.

Trump likened the planned "AI Force" to the creation of the Space Force, the newest branch of the US military established during his first term in office. Previously, the administration utilized venture capitalist David Sacks as an "AI czar" before Sacks transitioned earlier this year to become an external adviser and chair of the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology.

The announcement arrives amid rising public, legislative, and industry concerns regarding the rapid development of artificial intelligence. Earlier in the week, leaders of major global AI companies publicly called for a temporary slowdown in development, citing warnings that rapid advancements could outpace society's ability to ensure safety.

These concerns were amplified following a warning from a safety researcher at US-based AI company Anthropic, who stated there was a greater than 10 percent chance the technology could pose an existential threat to humanity within the decade. Trump dismissed the warning as a "hoax," telling Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang during a phone call at the All-In Summit that "the robots will not be taking over."

David Sacks has also expressed skepticism regarding fears surrounding the technology, describing the anxieties in a recent CBS News interview as an emerging "panic." Trump's stance on regulation similarly rejects stricter oversight, aligning with his broader economic platform.

At the same time, the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence data centers has faced significant pushback from local communities across the United States. Residents have raised concerns over the heavy consumption of natural resources and rising local energy costs associated with the facilities. Al Jazeera reported that this grassroots resistance includes communities in conservative regions that supported Trump in the 2024 presidential election.

Legislative action has reflected these mounting local pressures. Earlier in the week, the US House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed a bill in a 417-to-3 vote designed to minimize the impact of AI data center electricity usage on the utility bills of everyday American residents ahead of the November US midterm elections.

Despite community pushback and bipartisan legislative concerns, Trump strongly defended the infrastructure on Saturday, criticizing attacks on data centers and labeling the facilities as prestigious. He warned last month that communities rejecting the infrastructure would risk falling behind economically.

Al Jazeera reported that Trump's pro-growth and deregulation stance remains increasingly out of step with broader public sentiment and parts of his own political base. Nevertheless, the administration's policy direction underscores a firm commitment to advancing the technology to maintain competitiveness against international rivals, particularly China.

The debate over artificial intelligence policy, regulation, and infrastructure is expected to remain a prominent focus. The subject is anticipated to be a central topic of discussion during an upcoming summit in Washington, DC, between President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.