President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that he is forming an “AI Force” to protect the artificial intelligence industry. He also plans to name an AI “Czar” to oversee the sector’s growth. This move comes as industry leaders urge the government to slow down development due to safety fears.
Three top leaders in the AI field recently warned that rapid development poses serious risks to humanity. CEOs from Anthropic, xAI, and OpenAI suggested a temporary slowdown after several close calls. Some researchers even stated the current pace could wipe out human life. “I mean, it’s gonna be the most world-changing technology of our era,” Sen. Tim Sheehy said. He added that the U.S. cannot afford to fall behind.
“We don’t wanna slow it down cause if we slowdown, China will win,” Sheehy added. Some Democrats argue that these warnings from the companies themselves demand action. “The American people don’t normally hear from the businesses themselves saying that, ‘you know, we got some concerns about our own products,’ right?” Sen. Andy Kim said. He believes this makes the case for new rules stronger. However, others worry that regulation could hand a strategic advantage to our rivals.
President Trump dismissed these warnings as political attacks in a post on Truth Social. He compared the backlash against data centers to past controversies like “Russia, Russia, Russia.” He wrote that he will not let anyone destroy this industry. “We will not in any way hinder or stifle the Growth of this incredible Industry,” the post read. Trump predicted AI could eventually make up 25% of the U.S. gross domestic product. He stated the government will use existing laws to catch bad actors instead of new rules.
His announcement includes a plan to appoint an AI “Czar” soon. “Only High I.Q. individuals need apply!” Trump wrote regarding the new role. He did not name any candidates or detail the force’s structure. A recent Gallup poll shows about 75% of Americans oppose building data centers near their homes. Trump argued that data centers actually bring higher salaries and safer streets to local communities.
Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle agree that China is watching this race closely. “China is the only one that benefits from the United States slowing down AI,” Rep. Nancy Mace said. She warned that stopping now would let China take the lead. “If we stop now, China’s going to eat our lunch,” she said. Some Republicans suspect the industry’s safety warnings might be a trick to block competition.
Sen. Tim Kaine said the President does not understand the danger. “I don’t think President Trump really knows what he’s talking about,” Kaine told Fox News Digital. He added that we do not need to be complete doomsayers. Rep. Steny Hoyer noted that Trump often calls things a hoax if he disagrees. “[Trump] says almost everything is a hoax that he doesn’t agree with,” Hoyer said. The debate continues as Congress tries to balance safety with national security.
