In a surprising move, President Donald Trump has signed an executive order directing all US government branches to stop using the term 'artificial intelligence' in favor of 'Super Intelligence.' This rebranding aims to reshape the narrative around AI by emphasizing its power and potential benefits while distancing it from associations with artificiality or risk.
- Federal policy documents will use 'Super Intelligence' instead of 'artificial intelligence.'
- Trump claims the new term better reflects AI's power and usefulness.
- Officials stress cooperation with local communities and regulatory bodies.
What happened
President Donald Trump signed an executive order mandating the use of the term 'Super Intelligence' in all US government references to AI. This includes official websites, policy documents, and press releases. The directive forbids the government from acknowledging or using 'artificial intelligence' or 'AI' terminology in relevant settings.
The order was announced at an event launching America.gov and followed a White House luncheon with major tech CEOs and government officials. Trump justified the change by stating that 'super' conveys greater power and simplicity, contrasting it with the notion of 'artificial' which he linked to negative connotations like 'fake news.'
Why it matters
This semantic shift marks a notable departure from established industry and legal terms referring to artificial intelligence. It may affect how AI policy, governance, and regulation are discussed and implemented across federal agencies, potentially complicating consistency with existing AI-related statutes and frameworks.
The administration’s framing positions AI as an overwhelmingly positive and powerful tool, aiming to assuage public fears about AI risks and accelerate acceptance. It also signals a preference for industry self-regulation while maintaining federal oversight through agencies like the Department of Justice and the FBI.
What to watch next
Stakeholders should monitor how federal agencies adapt their documentation and communications to align with the new terminology and how this impacts legal interpretations of AI-related statutes. The shift could also influence international dialogue on AI, given the government’s explicit claim that global counterparts, like China, support the terminology change.
Local community and regulatory responses will be important as tech companies continue constructing large data centers underpinning AI services. Trump emphasized the importance of ensuring local acceptance through support and economic incentives, suggesting future policies may focus on balancing infrastructure growth with community interests.