US President Donald Trump announced on 20 September 2026 that he is forming an 'AI Force' and will name an 'AI Czar' in the near future, framing artificial intelligence as the next great industrial revolution and a cornerstone of American economic dominance. The announcement, made via a post on his Truth Social account, signals the administration's intent to aggressively champion AI development while using existing legal mechanisms to police misuse.

What Trump Said

In his post, Trump vowed that his administration would not 'hinder or stifle the growth of this incredible industry.' He declared that AI could account for as much as 25 per cent of US gross domestic product, comparing its transformative potential to the Industrial Revolution and the rise of the internet. At the same time, he said the government would watch for bad actors, stating that the existing criminal and civil justice system was sufficient to address misuse.

Trump also claimed that fears over AI's destruction were among the 'many hoaxes' propagated by Democrats, grouping it alongside his characterisations of the Russia-Ukraine war and global warming — remarks that are likely to deepen the partisan divide over US technology policy.

No Structural Details Yet

The president did not elaborate on the organisational structure of the proposed AI Force or the specific mandate of the AI Czar. It remains unclear whether the AI Force would be a standalone agency, a White House office, or a unit embedded within an existing department. The identity of the prospective czar has also not been disclosed. The announcement comes as Washington is engaged in a broader, intensifying debate over how to govern rapidly advancing AI systems and their potential national security implications.

Attorney General Backs the Push

US Attorney General Todd Blanche, speaking during a media availability at the White House earlier this week, aligned squarely with Trump's position. Blanche described AI as 'highly beneficial' and firmly rejected proposals for the Justice Department to regulate or slow the technology. He warned that the United States could not afford to lose the AI race to China, pledging action against Chinese individuals and companies that steal from American technology businesses.

'We can't lose the AI race to China, right?' Blanche said. 'President Trump says that, everybody says that, but they say it because it's true.'

Blanche said the Justice Department would investigate criminal conduct connected to AI but would not assume the role of a technology regulator — a stance consistent with the broader administration posture of promotion over precaution.

The Wider Context

The Trump administration's move follows sustained pressure from technology leaders who have warned that rapidly advancing AI systems could pose serious national security and societal risks. Critics argue that without a formal regulatory framework, the US risks both domestic harms and international credibility on AI governance. Notably, the administration's approach — using criminal and civil law rather than new regulations — diverges sharply from the European Union's AI Act and the more cautious stances of some US tech executives.

With China investing heavily in state-backed AI programmes and the US Congress still debating comprehensive AI legislation, the establishment of an AI Force and czar-level coordinator could reshape how Washington organises its AI strategy in the months ahead.