President Donald Trump announced Saturday that his administration will create a new “AI Force” modeled after the U.S. Space Force, making artificial intelligence a central part of his broader effort to maintain American technological and economic leadership.

Trump said the initiative will be paired with the appointment of an AI “czar” who will oversee the administration’s efforts on artificial intelligence. The president said the goal is to provide oversight of the industry while ensuring that AI development continues at a rapid pace.

Trump also highlighted the enormous economic potential of artificial intelligence, saying AI could eventually account for as much as 25% of the U.S. gross domestic product. The president has repeatedly described AI as a transformative technology capable of driving major economic growth and expanding American innovation.

Trump AI Force
Credit: Trump AI Force

A major focus of Trump’s approach is keeping the United States ahead of China in the global AI race. Trump said America is currently leading China in artificial intelligence and made clear that his administration intends to maintain that advantage. “We’re leading China in AI,” Trump said earlier this month, adding that he wants to keep America in that position.

Trump has also argued that American AI companies need room to innovate without excessive government restrictions. In announcing the AI Force, he emphasized that the administration wants to protect the industry without stifling its growth. He has similarly argued that excessive regulation could allow China to gain an advantage over the United States.

That approach builds on steps Trump has already taken to expand AI development. In June, he signed a national security directive designed to accelerate the adoption of advanced AI throughout the national security establishment, expand high-security computing infrastructure and strengthen the pipeline of AI talent available to the government.

Trump’s June executive order on AI innovation also stated that the United States should remain the global leader in artificial intelligence and emphasized reducing regulatory barriers that could restrict innovation.

The proposed AI Force and AI czar would add to those efforts as Trump seeks to make American AI leadership a major economic and national-security priority.