Trump Plans New AI Force and Policy Czar

September 20, 2026 - 03:44

The president stated this week that his administration intends to establish a dedicated artificial intelligence force and appoint a special advisor to oversee the sector. The move arrives at a moment when researchers, engineers, and industry executives have repeatedly asked for caution, arguing that the pace of development is outpacing the ability of governments and companies to understand the risks.

The president dismissed those worries, describing them as a "hoax" and suggesting that calls for restraint are driven by other motives. His comments signal a sharp turn away from the safety-first approach that has shaped much of the public debate over the past two years, when several major labs published open letters asking for pauses on the most powerful systems.

Details about the new force remain limited. It is unclear whether it would operate inside the defense department, a civilian agency, or as a separate body. The role of the czar is also undefined, though officials familiar with the planning say the position would coordinate policy across agencies and serve as a direct line to the White House.

Supporters argue that a centralized structure would speed up decisions and help the country compete with rivals. Critics counter that a single advisor cannot manage the many legal, ethical, and security questions the technology raises. They also warn that treating safety concerns as a hoax could weaken oversight at a time when the systems are becoming more capable and more widely used.