Trump Announces 'AI Force,' Vows to Protect Industry Amidst AI Regulation Debate

Former President Donald Trump announced Saturday the creation of an "AI Force" and his intention to appoint an artificial intelligence czar, signaling a commitment to fast-tracking the development of AI in the United States.

Trump stated on Truth Social that his administration would oppose efforts to restrict the rapidly advancing technology, instead opting to utilize existing legal frameworks to address any potential misuse. "We will not in any way hinder or stifle the Growth of this incredible Industry," Trump wrote in his post. "Rather, we will cherish it, help it, and watch over it, as it grows!"

He further elaborated that the government would actively seek out and address "BAD" actors or actions related to AI, leveraging criminal and civil laws. Trump drew a parallel between his proposed AI Force and the establishment of the Space Force during his first term, which he described as a "tremendous SUCCESS." He indicated that the selection process for the AI "Czar" would seek "Only High I.Q. individuals."

Details regarding the organizational structure, authority, or membership of the proposed AI Force, as well as potential candidates for the czar position, were not provided.

This announcement comes at a time when lawmakers are actively debating the necessity and methods of regulating artificial intelligence. While some Republicans have expressed skepticism about increased government oversight, others have called for safeguards following concerns raised by AI industry leaders regarding the capabilities of emerging AI models.

Earlier in the week, Trump voiced his opposition to additional government regulation of the AI industry, arguing that such restrictions could disadvantage the U.S. in its technological competition with China. He suggested that criticism surrounding AI and data centers echoed past political controversies where opposition to similar infrastructure, such as data centers, ultimately failed.

Trump also projected that AI could eventually contribute significantly to the U.S. gross domestic product, estimating its potential impact at "possibly as much as 25% of our Country’s GDP." He asserted, "We are leading China, and the rest of the World, and I intend to keep it that way!"

In a separate post on Truth Social, Trump solicited public opinion on alternative names for artificial intelligence, proposing "Superior Intelligence (SI)," "Extreme Intelligence (EI)," or "Supreme Intelligence (SI)" as more accurate and eloquent descriptors than the current term.