Donald Trump announced plans to create a dedicated AI task force and name an artificial intelligence chief within his administration. In a social media post, he said the United States would not hinder the growth of the industry and rejected calls to pause development until stronger safeguards exist. The proposal comes as warnings about AI risks have intensified, with researchers and industry leaders highlighting potential dangers ranging from misuse to existential threats. Trump did not specify a timeline or operational details for the task force. He framed AI as the next industrial revolution, estimating its potential impact could reach 25% of the nation's gross domestic product. The announcement aligns with growing competition between the United States and China over advanced technology leadership, a rivalry expected to feature in discussions between Trump and President Xi Jinping. The president also indicated his administration would apply existing criminal and civil laws to address misuse of AI systems. While expressing skepticism about concerns over AI risks, Trump acknowledged the need for vigilance against malicious actors. Major AI firms including Anthropic, OpenAI, and Google have recently reported security incidents involving their models being used for harmful purposes. Dario Amodei, head of Anthropic, has advocated for slowing AI development and establishing industry-wide regulatory standards, a position echoed by Sam Altman of OpenAI and Elon Musk of xAI. Industry representatives have suggested mandatory safety testing protocols, including third-party verification mechanisms, to address potential harms. Lawmakers in Washington have introduced proposals to regulate AI development, though experts note regulatory frameworks have struggled to keep pace with rapid innovation. Altman has argued that public confidence in AI companies stems from their commitment to responsible development. The UK's Joint Committee on Human Rights recently released a report urging legislative action to confront the scale of AI-related risks, reflecting growing international attention to the technology's governance.