Trump to appoint new AI adviser to create 'AI force'

U.S President Donald Trump announced plans to appoint a new artificial intelligence adviser (often referred to as an "AI czar") and establish a federal "AI Force"—modeled after the Space Force created during his first term.

Trump shared the initiative on Truth Social, noting that his pick for the AI czar role will be announced soon, adding the requirement that "Only High I.Q. individuals need apply."

However, specific structural details, budgets, and operational scopes for both the adviser and the new "AI Force" have not yet been detailed.

Trump doubled down on a hands-off approach to federal regulation, stating that his administration will "not in any way hinder or stifle the growth of this incredible industry".

He dismissed widespread safety and existential risk alarms from tech executives and researchers as a "hoax", arguing that any malicious actions or bad actors should instead be handled through existing civil and criminal justice systems.

Framing AI as the next Industrial Revolution, Trump emphasized the global tech race against China, projecting that the sector could eventually comprise up to 25% of the U.S. Gross Domestic Product.

This move revives high-level White House coordination for the sector following the departure of former AI and crypto czar David Sacks, coming at a time of intense debate over AI safety standards, power-hungry data centers, and upcoming high-stakes diplomatic talks.

Fears are growing in Washington among lawmakers about the risks posed by AI technology on humans and property. 

Earlier this month, former Anthropic researcher ​Jacob Coxon said that "people building AI earnestly believe that it could kill us all ​by the end of the decade."

"We will not in any way hinder or stifle the Growth ​of this incredible Industry," Trump wrote on Truth Social, his social media platform. 

"Rather, we will cherish it, ​help it, and watch over it, as it grows! However, we will also be looking for BAD, and we can do that, very easily, with our already existing Criminal and Civil Justice System."

If Trump follows through on ​the pledge, it would be his second AI czar. Venture capitalist David Sacks previously served in ​the role before stepping down in the spring and moving into an external advisory position.

Trump has repeatedly downplayed concerns about AI and ⁠argued that additional regulation is unnecessary.