Kumar Bahukhandi
US President Donald Trump (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
US President says Washington will support artificial intelligence growth while using existing criminal and civil laws to address harmful conduct
Key Highlights
- Trump announces plans to create an “AI Force”
- Says a new “AI Czar” will be appointed in the near future
- Compares proposed AI Force with the creation of the US Space Force
- Says his administration will not “hinder or stifle” AI growth
- Argues existing criminal and civil laws can address harmful conduct involving AI
- Says maintaining the US lead over China and other countries is a priority
- Details about the AI Force’s structure, powers, budget and timeline have not yet been announced
Washington: US President Donald Trump has announced plans to establish an “AI Force” and appoint a new “AI Czar”, signalling his administration’s intention to encourage rapid growth of artificial intelligence while resisting calls for broader restrictions on the technology.
Trump made the announcement on Saturday in a lengthy post on Truth Social, saying his administration would not allow what he characterised as attempts to undermine the development of AI. Reuters confirmed the announcement but reported that Trump provided few details about the proposed body’s structure or the new adviser’s responsibilities.
“We will not in any way hinder or stifle the Growth of this incredible Industry,” Trump wrote, adding that the government would instead “cherish it, help it, and watch over it, as it grows!”
AI Force Modelled on Space Force
Trump said the proposed initiative would be comparable to the Space Force established during his first term.
“For this purpose, I am forming the AI Force, much like I did Space Force,” Trump wrote. He added that he would announce an AI “Czar” in the near future.
The announcement, however, leaves significant questions unanswered. No details have yet been provided about whether the AI Force would be a civilian or military organisation, where it would sit within the federal government, what powers it would possess or how it would be funded. The White House had not immediately provided further clarification, according to reports.
Trump also suggested that harmful activity involving artificial intelligence could be dealt with through the country’s existing legal framework rather than through restrictions that could slow technological development.
He described AI as potentially the next major industrial transformation and said the United States was ahead of China and other countries in the sector — a lead he said he intended to preserve.
Debate Over AI Safety Intensifies
Trump’s announcement comes amid an intensifying debate in the United States over the pace of AI development, its potential risks and the appropriate level of government oversight.
Some technology executives and researchers have called for stronger safeguards or slower development of increasingly powerful AI systems, while others argue that excessive regulation could constrain innovation and weaken America’s competitive position.
Trump has rejected calls for slowing the industry and has also defended the expansion of data centres, which have faced criticism in some US communities over issues including electricity demand and environmental impact.
For now, the proposed AI Force remains an announced initiative rather than a fully detailed programme, with its mandate, membership and institutional structure yet to be disclosed.
