Trump Announces 'AI Force' and Rejects Calls to Slow AI Development
US President Donald Trump announced plans to create an "AI Force" and appoint an artificial intelligence czar, dismissing concerns about AI dangers as a "hoax" while emphasizing the need for US leadership over China in the sector.
US President Donald Trump has announced plans to form an "AI Force" and appoint an artificial intelligence czar, positioning the initiative as a means to monitor the technology while explicitly rejecting calls to slow down AI development. The announcement was made via social media posts on Saturday, September 19, 2026.
In his statements, Trump characterized concerns about AI dangers as a "hoax." He asserted that existing criminal and civil justice systems would suffice to address bad actors using the technology. Furthermore, Trump stated that his administration will not hinder or stifle the growth of the AI industry. He predicted that AI could account for as much as 25% of the US GDP.
The announcement occurred amidst growing warnings from industry leaders regarding potential existential risks and security breaches. Figures such as Sam Altman, Elon Musk, and Dario Amodei have called for slowing down AI development or increased regulation. Former Anthropic researcher Jacob Coxon warned that AI could potentially kill all humans by the end of the decade, citing a 10% chance of such an outcome.
While Trump emphasized maintaining US leadership over China in AI, several Republican governors and lawmakers have advocated for stricter safety regulations and controls. California Governor Gavin Newsom announced plans for a panel to develop AI safety regulations, including a possible "kill switch." Other officials, including Ron DeSantis, James Uthmeier, and Spencer Cox, have also been involved in discussions regarding state-level regulatory frameworks.
The timing of the announcement precedes a scheduled meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping next week. Ahead of this summit, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent met with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng to discuss AI security and trade. Trump offered no specific details or timeline for the new AI Force plan.
David Sacks previously served as an AI czar before stepping down in the spring. The term "artificial intelligence" was coined in 1955 by John McCarthy. Organizations such as OpenAI, Google, xAI, and Anthropic remain central to the ongoing debate between innovation and public safety.