President Donald Trump has signed an executive order mandating that all US federal agencies stop using the term 'artificial intelligence' (AI) and instead use 'super intelligence' (SI) in official documents, communications, and policy materials.
- Federal agencies required to use ‘super intelligence’ instead of ‘artificial intelligence.’
- Order signed after public polling on Trump’s social platform favored the new name.
- The change honors historical AI legal definitions but modernizes government language.
What happened
On Tuesday, President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing all federal agencies to stop using the term 'artificial intelligence' and instead use 'super intelligence' or SI. This mandate covers all government communications including letters, websites, reports, and policy documents, except where restricted by existing laws, contracts, or grants. The order reflects Trump's decision to rename the technology following a public poll conducted on his social media platform, where 65% of participants preferred 'super intelligence' over alternatives.
The order refers to the technology currently defined as AI under US statutes but mandates a terminological shift to 'super intelligence,' effectively rebranding AI in all government references. White House science adviser Michael Kratsios has been given 60 days to draft a formal definition for Congress, potentially revising the legal terminology. The move follows Trump’s broader pattern of renaming geographic features, including the Gulf of Mexico and Lake Ontario, to 'Gulf of America' and 'Lake America,' respectively.
Why it matters
This directive marks an unprecedented effort to redefine official language surrounding a major technology sector at the federal level, signaling a presidential agenda to reshape public and government perceptions of AI. By adopting 'super intelligence,' the administration aims to underscore the advanced capabilities of these technologies, countering the implication that the term 'artificial' renders the technology somehow less real or impactful.
However, the rebranding has raised questions within the AI research community and regulators since 'superintelligence' traditionally refers to a highly advanced form of AI that surpasses human intelligence—a concept not yet realized. The federal government’s choice to apply this term to all AI technologies could influence regulatory approaches, public opinion, and international discourse about AI development and governance.
What to watch next
Attention will focus on the forthcoming definition by Michael Kratsios, which could clarify or complicate the distinction between AI and super intelligence in US law. Congress may be called upon to consider whether to amend existing statutes to align with this new terminology, potentially affecting funding, contracts, and regulatory frameworks related to AI technologies.
The response from the tech industry, academia, and international bodies will also be critical. While the US government adopts 'super intelligence,' global counterparts like the European Union and Canada continue to use established terms. Market observers should watch for the impact this linguistic shift will have on innovation, investment, and cross-border collaboration in AI sectors.