WASHINGTON — The White House released a statement today confirming the establishment of the United States AI Force, a newly created branch of government tasked with overseeing artificial intelligence development, deployment, and strategic positioning. The announcement was accompanied by the appointment of a Chief AI Officer, colloquially referred to as the artificial intelligence tsar, effective immediately.
According to the official memorandum dated September 20, 2026, the administration has determined that existing federal structures—the Department of Defense, the National Security Agency, the Department of Commerce, and various congressional oversight committees—are insufficient to address the emerging technology sector. The AI Force will operate under a unified command structure with an undefined mandate and reporting lines to be clarified in subsequent guidance documents.
The president stated that the administration “will not in any way hinder or stifle the growth” of artificial intelligence, positioning the new force as a facilitator rather than a regulator. The distinction between these roles remains to be operationalized.
When asked to specify the AI Force’s primary objectives, a White House spokesperson indicated that these would be determined following an internal strategic review, estimated to conclude within the fiscal year. The spokesperson noted that the force would address “threats, opportunities, and other matters related to artificial intelligence,” pending further definition.
The AI tsar will oversee a staff of personnel to be hired from the private sector, academia, and the defense establishment. Their first task has been designated as “understanding what we’re actually doing here,” according to an internal briefing document obtained by this publication.
The announcement comes amid ongoing concerns about artificial intelligence’s role in autonomous weapons systems, labor displacement, and geopolitical competition. The administration has indicated these matters are under review.