United States President Donald Trump announced on Saturday his intention to establish an "AI Force" and appoint a new "AI czar" to oversee the development of the nation's artificial intelligence industry. The announcement was made via a lengthy social media post, outlining a goal to protect and advance AI, which Trump described as the "next Industrial Revolution" crucial for economic growth.

This initiative comes at a time when artificial intelligence is facing increasing scrutiny and concern from the public and technology leaders. Trump's stated aim is to foster, rather than hinder, the growth of the AI industry, emphasizing its importance for the country's future economic landscape. He did not, however, provide specific details regarding the composition of this "AI Force" or the timeline for appointing the new adviser.

Trump drew a parallel between his proposed "AI Force" and the creation of the Space Force, the newest branch of the U.S. military established during his previous term. The president also referenced his prior "AI czar," venture capitalist David Sacks, who resigned earlier this year and subsequently became an external adviser. Sacks currently chairs Trump’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology.

The president's announcement follows a week where leaders from major AI companies publicly advocated for a slowdown in the technology's development, citing potential safety risks. These calls were prompted by warnings from researchers, including one who suggested a significant probability of AI posing an existential threat to humanity within the next decade. Trump had previously dismissed such concerns as a "hoax."

During a phone call to Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, Trump expressed skepticism about AI taking over, stating, "The robots will not be taking over. The AI will not be taking over the rest of the world." Sacks, reflecting a similar viewpoint, has suggested that fears surrounding AI's potential harm are exaggerated, describing the current sentiment as "a panic."

In parallel with the AI discussions, Trump also addressed concerns regarding the proliferation of AI data centers. These facilities have faced opposition in various U.S. communities due to their substantial consumption of natural resources and contribution to rising energy costs. This issue has garnered bipartisan attention from lawmakers, particularly in the lead-up to the November midterm elections, amid growing community pushback.

Despite the community concerns, Trump characterized these data centers as "prestigious" facilities. His administration's focus on AI development and his recent remarks suggest a strategic interest in leveraging the technology for national and economic advancement, while downplaying immediate safety threats.

The future structure and mandate of the "AI Force" and the selection of the "AI czar" remain key unanswered questions. These developments will be closely watched for their impact on the trajectory of AI innovation and regulation within the United States.