President Donald Trump announced on Saturday, September 19, 2026, that he is forming a new "AI Force" to oversee the development of artificial intelligence. In social media posts, the president stated the entity would be modeled after the Space Force, which was established during his first term. He also indicated he would soon appoint an "AI Czar" to lead the initiative, calling for "high I.Q. individuals" to apply for the position.
The announcement follows recent public debate regarding the safety and economic impact of artificial intelligence. While some industry researchers and executives have warned that self-improving superintelligence could pose catastrophic risks to humanity within a decade, President Trump characterized these concerns as a "hoax" perpetrated by political opponents. He stated that existing criminal and civil justice systems provide sufficient guardrails for the technology's growth.
The president described AI as a technological shift larger than the Industrial Revolution or the internet, estimating it could eventually account for 25% of the United States' Gross Domestic Product (GDP). He framed the initiative as a way to maintain a competitive lead over China. Former special government employee David Sacks, who served as a crypto and AI advisor until March 2026, recently supported this view, telling CBS News that while caution is warranted, fears of existential threats are overblown.
In response to the announcement, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) argued that forming new committees or discussions is insufficient to address the "pressing threat" of AI. She called for Congress to pass meaningful regulations to protect the public. The move comes amid recent polling from YouGov and the University of Massachusetts Amherst, which reported that between 55% and 57% of respondents disapproved of the president's handling of AI issues.
The scale of this policy shift affects the entire U.S. population, as the president suggested AI’s impact would surpass that of the internet. For the average household, the impact may eventually be felt through the "Trump Dividends"—a proposed $5,000 payment to every American adult that the president has linked to his party retaining control of Congress. Additionally, the proposal sets a precedent for treating AI as a distinct branch of national interest, similar to the military-focused Space Force, though the specific authorities and budget of the "AI Force" were not detailed in the announcement.
What happens next depends on the results of the upcoming midterm elections, which will determine control of the House and Senate. The president has not yet named the specific individual who will serve as the new "AI Czar" following the departure of David Sacks. If the GOP maintains control of both chambers, the administration may move forward with its dividend proposal and further formalize the AI Force structure. Legislative efforts for regulation, as proposed by Sen. Warren, remain stalled in the Republican-led Congress.