Daijiworld Media Network - Washington

Washington, Sep 21: US President Donald Trump has announced plans to form an “AI Force” and said he would name an “AI Czar” in the near future as debate intensifies in the United States over the rapid development of artificial intelligence and its potential risks.

In a post on his Truth Social account, Trump said he would not allow the “decimation or destruction” of AI.

“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,” Trump said.

He added that the administration would also look for harmful or illegal activity associated with AI, saying existing criminal and civil justice systems could be used for that purpose.

Trump described AI as the next Industrial Revolution or Internet and said it could potentially account for as much as 25 per cent of the US gross domestic product.

In the post, Trump also claimed that the alleged destruction of AI was among the “many hoaxes” propagated by Democrats. He also referred to the Russia-Ukraine war and global warming as hoaxes that he said had been “destroying” the United States.

Trump did not provide details about the proposed structure of the “AI Force” or specify the responsibilities of the planned “AI Czar”.

The announcement comes amid growing debate in the US over the rapid advancement of AI technology, its economic potential and possible national security and other risks, Xinhua news agency reported.

Earlier this week, US Attorney General Todd Blanche said the United States could not afford to lose the artificial intelligence race to China and promised action against Chinese individuals and companies accused of stealing technology from American businesses.

Speaking during a media availability at the White House, Blanche described AI as highly beneficial and rejected calls for the Justice Department to regulate or slow down the technology.

“We can’t lose the AI race to China, right?” Blanche said. “President Trump says that, everybody says that, but they say it because it’s true.”

His remarks came in response to questions about warnings from technology leaders that rapidly advancing AI systems could pose national security threats and other serious risks.

Blanche said the Justice Department would investigate criminal conduct linked to AI but would not take on the role of a technology regulator.