US President Donald Trump has declared that he is forming a new Artificial Intelligence Force, similar to the Space Force created during his first term. He made the announcement through his Truth Social account and Reuters confirmed the statement. Trump compared the new initiative to the Space Force, which was officially established in December 2019.
He described artificial intelligence as a transformative technology that could reshape society more than the Internet and potentially account for about 25% of US GDP. Trump emphasized that the United States currently holds an advantage over China and other nations in AI development and intends to maintain that lead. This assessment is not based on an official government economic forecast but reflects Trump’s view of AI’s potential.
The White House has yet to release a detailed structure for the proposed AI Force. It remains unclear whether Trump intends to create a military organization similar to the Space Force or a federal administrative body to oversee AI policy. Reuters reported that Trump provided no details about how the AI Force would be structured.
Trump stated that the new structure should support growth in the AI industry while also monitoring potential misuse of the technology. He said the government should not overly restrict innovation through heavy regulation but instead use current criminal and civil laws to address harmful behavior involving AI. The comparison with the Space Force also raises questions about how the new organization might be structured.
The Space Force became the sixth branch of the US Armed Forces and the first new military branch in 73 years when it was created. This announcement comes at a time when Washington is increasingly viewing AI not just as an economic tool but also as a national security issue. American and Chinese experts have proposed shared safeguards to manage risks associated with AI in sensitive areas such as nuclear command systems and cyber warfare. Those proposals include maintaining human control over nuclear decisions and consequential cyberattacks.
Trump’s post about the AI Force also came shortly before his planned meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Both Washington and Beijing are competing to maintain advantages in artificial intelligence as the technology becomes increasingly important to their economies and national security strategies. The president said the AI Force would be similar to his previous Space Force effort, which he described as a major success during his first term.
He framed AI as the next industrial revolution, possibly even more impactful than the Internet and potentially contributing up to 25% of national GDP. Trump has repeatedly warned that the US must stay ahead in AI development to avoid falling behind China. His announcement continues the administration’s emphasis on encouraging rapid AI development while opposing broad new restrictions on the industry.
John Walsh, chief technology officer for government and critical infrastructure at IGEL, has argued that the goal should not be regulation for its own sake. Instead, Walsh has suggested creating standards and incentives that help AI grow while ensuring it can be trusted. He has argued that the US should work with industry to establish practical requirements for trustworthy AI systems.
When such standards gain international acceptance, they can become a key factor in market access, similar to cybersecurity certifications. Walsh added that trust must become part of the engineering process once AI systems begin interacting with critical infrastructure. Concerns are also growing in Washington about potential risks from increasingly capable AI systems.
Trump assured the public that he will not hinder or stifle the growth of the AI industry. He said the government will support and protect this fast-growing sector as it develops. If Trump proceeds with his plan, he would be appointing another AI adviser after David Sacks previously served as the administration’s AI and cryptocurrency czar before moving to an outside advisory role.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is scheduled to meet with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng in New York to discuss AI security and trade issues. The meeting is set to take place on Sunday. Reuters reported that the talks are expected to include AI safeguards, trade and critical minerals ahead of Trump’s meeting with Xi.
IMAGE: Trump promised to bring sweeping political change, to create wealth, and to make America safe again in a speech that excited delegates on the fourth and final day of the convention. (A. Shaker/VOA). Photo: Ali Shaker/VOA / Wikimedia, taken 2016-07-21, Public domain