Trump proposes new name for AI, announces creation of AI Force

Donald Trump told a crowd in Miami on Thursday that he wants to “rebrand” artificial intelligence with a new name and launch an “AI Force” to protect the technology, calling the recent criticism of AI a “Democratic hoax.” The remarks, reported by TechCrunch, came during a campaign rally where the former president promised to “take back the future” from what he described as partisan attacks.

The comments arrive as Congress debates the first major AI regulations in the United States. Democrats have introduced bills that would require transparency, limit deep‑fakes and give the Federal Trade Commission new oversight powers. Industry groups say the rules are needed to curb bias and protect privacy, while some Republicans argue they could stifle innovation. Trump’s claim that the backlash is a political stunt echoes his broader narrative that Democrats are trying to control emerging technologies to gain an advantage.

Trump said the AI Force would be a “private militia of engineers and entrepreneurs” that would defend AI development from government interference. He offered no details on funding, leadership or how the group would operate. Tech CEOs responded with skepticism, saying the idea is vague and could create legal uncertainty. Democratic lawmakers dismissed the proposal as a publicity stunt, warning that it could undermine existing efforts to ensure safe AI. A former senior adviser to the White House AI task force called the plan “dangerous rhetoric” that could fuel misinformation about the technology.

Analysts say the announcement is likely aimed at energizing Trump’s base ahead of the 2024 election, where tech policy is becoming a partisan flashpoint. If the former president’s supporters push the idea forward, it could pressure lawmakers to soften regulatory proposals. However, without a clear structure or funding, the AI Force is unlikely to materialize before the next congressional session. The debate over how to govern AI is set to intensify, and Trump’s latest stunt adds another layer of political drama to an already complex issue.