# Trump Plans AI Force and New AI Czar Role, Dismisses Safety Concerns

> Source: <https://insideai.news/news/ai-policy-and-regulation/trump-ai-force-and-czar/12523/>
> Published: 2026-09-21 07:12:24+00:00

**September 21, 2026, (Inside AI)** — President Donald Trump announced plans to establish an "AI Force" and appoint a new AI czar, according to a Truth Social post on Saturday. The announcement lacked specifics on the force's mission, the czar's responsibilities, or a timeline for either.

Trump framed the move as a push to accelerate American AI development. He dismissed safety concerns as a "hoax" and rejected calls from industry leaders for measured development timelines. The statement arrives as the White House faces pressure to set regulatory guardrails for frontier AI models.

In his post, Trump wrote: **"We will not in any way hinder or stifle the Growth of this incredible Industry. Rather, we will cherish it, help it, and watch over it, as it grows!"** The president predicted AI could eventually represent **25%** of U.S. gross domestic product. He called it "the next Industrial Revolution or Internet, but it will be even larger and more impactful."

The proposal follows a public appeal from **Anthropic** CEO **Dario Amodei** for an industry slowdown on [frontier AI model development](https://insideai.news/news/ai-policy-and-regulation/ai-safety-debate/12366/). Amodei argued developers need space between major capability advances to ensure thorough safety evaluation before public release. **OpenAI** CEO **Sam Altman**, **SpaceX** CEO **Elon Musk**, and **Google DeepMind** Chair **Demis Hassabis** endorsed the measured development approach.

Trump rejected that concept, arguing a slowdown would allow Chinese competitors to gain dominance while America falls behind strategically. He compared AI safety warnings to his previous dismissals of global warming, claiming both represent "conspiracies created by Radical Left Democrats."

The AI czar position was previously held by venture capitalist **David Sacks**, who vacated the role in March after reaching federal employment time limits, according to CBS News. Sacks continues advising Trump as chair of the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology. Trump offered no nominee recommendations for the czar role or detailed job responsibilities.

The White House plans a major AI-focused gathering Wednesday during the U.N. General Assembly meeting. That evening, Trump will host a state dinner for Chinese President **Xi Jinping**. Attendees include OpenAI's Sam Altman, [** NVIDIA** CEO **Jensen Huang**](https://insideai.news/news/ai-policy-and-regulation/nvidia-anthropic-ai-development-pace-debate/12041/), and Google CEO **Sundar Pichai**. AI safety represents one agenda topic for Trump's bilateral talks with Xi.

Trump's dismissal of safety risks contrasts with recent technical findings. Researchers have documented that large language models can produce harmful outputs or be manipulated through adversarial prompts. The [National Institute of Standards and Technology](https://www.nist.gov/artificial-intelligence) has published frameworks for AI risk management, though adoption remains voluntary.

The proposed AI Force lacks a clear precedent. Past administrations have created task forces for emerging technologies, but none combined military-style branding with domestic economic goals. Trump's estimate that AI could reach 25% of GDP far exceeds current projections. AI contributes roughly 3% to 5% of U.S. GDP today, according to industry estimates. Reaching 25% would require AI to permeate nearly every sector, from healthcare to manufacturing.

Trump's comparison of AI safety to climate change denial follows a pattern. He has consistently rejected scientific consensus on environmental issues while promoting economic growth. This approach may resonate with voters prioritizing jobs and national competitiveness over precautionary regulation.

Industry leaders remain divided. Some executives welcome deregulation, arguing it speeds innovation. Others, like Amodei, warn that unchecked development risks catastrophic outcomes. The White House gathering on Wednesday may reveal whether Trump's stance shifts or hardens.

Trump's bilateral talks with Xi will likely cover AI competition. China has invested heavily in AI research and deployment, aiming to become the global leader by 2030. Trump's rhetoric suggests he views AI as a zero-sum race, where slowing down means losing.

The absence of a czar nominee leaves the position vacant indefinitely. Without a confirmed leader, coordination across agencies may stall. The AI Force could remain a slogan rather than a functional entity.

Trump's post did not address funding, staffing, or legal authority for the AI Force. Congress would need to approve any new agency or significant spending. Given partisan divides, legislative action appears uncertain.

The state dinner guest list signals Trump's willingness to engage tech elites. Altman, Huang, and Pichai represent firms at the center of the AI boom. Their presence suggests ongoing dialogue between the administration and industry.

Trump's prediction of AI driving 25% of GDP may serve as a rhetorical device rather than a forecast. It underscores his belief in AI's transformative power. Whether that belief translates into effective policy remains to be seen.

For now, the AI Force and czar role exist only as announcements. The coming weeks will test whether Trump's words lead to action or fade into the background of his broader agenda.
