U.S. President Donald Trump has announced plans to appoint a new artificial intelligence adviser, or “AI czar”, and establish an “AI force”, although he provided no details on how the initiatives would operate.
Trump made the announcement in a post on Truth Social on Saturday, as concerns grow in Washington over the potential risks of artificial intelligence to people and property.
“We will not in any way hinder or stifle the Growth of this incredible Industry,” Trump wrote. “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.”
Trump has repeatedly rejected calls for additional regulation of AI, arguing that existing legal frameworks can address wrongdoing.
If implemented, the appointment would mark Trump’s second AI czar. Venture capitalist David Sacks previously held the position before stepping down in the spring and taking on an external advisory role.
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Sacks has similarly opposed new federal AI regulations, saying developers should be responsible for the safety of their products and could be held liable when problems arise.
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Trump’s announcement.
The announcement comes ahead of Trump’s scheduled meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, with artificial intelligence expected to feature in discussions between Washington and Beijing.
The United States and China are competing for leadership in AI, which both countries regard as important to their economic and military capabilities. Trump and technology executives have argued that excessive regulation could slow U.S. AI development and weaken American companies’ ability to compete with Chinese rivals, while safety advocates have disputed that position.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent was also scheduled to meet Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng in New York to discuss AI security, trade and other economic matters.