In a striking move, President Donald Trump officially banned the term 'artificial intelligence' in government communications, rebranding it as 'Super Intelligence' during a White House meeting with leading industry figures who offered no public resistance.
- Trump issues executive order replacing 'artificial intelligence' with 'Super Intelligence'.
- Top AI executives attend White House lunch and offer no public objections.
- Experts see the renaming as a loyalty test rather than a technical or regulatory move.
What happened
In late September 2026, President Donald Trump publicly declared a ban on the term 'artificial intelligence,' directing that it be replaced by 'Super Intelligence' in all government discourse. This announcement came during a speech at the United Nations and was solidified in an executive order issued at a White House lunch attended by leading AI industry executives.
Despite their long-standing association with the AI term, major figures such as Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg, and Elon Musk did not publicly object or push back against the president's decree. The substitution marks a significant symbolic shift dictated by the highest office, signaling the administration's desire to reshape the narrative surrounding the technology.
Why it matters
Beyond semantics, this rebranding effort highlights the complex interplay between political power and industry leadership in the evolving AI landscape. For executives who have championed AI as their core business and identity, the silence during the name change suggests a calculated compliance shaped by the desire to maintain favor with the administration.
Analysts interpret this episode as a clear loyalty litmus test engineered by President Trump to assert dominance over influential tech figures. The willingness of these executives to acquiesce without public dissent signals challenges for collective resistance to political interference in technological development and discourse.
What to watch next
Industry responses in the coming weeks will reveal whether companies fully embrace the term 'Super Intelligence' in their products, research, and communications or quietly resist the order through minimal compliance. The extent of adoption could reflect broader tensions between government mandates and corporate autonomy within AI innovation.
Additionally, observers will monitor if future administrations maintain, reverse, or ignore this rebranding effort. The ongoing use and public perception of AI terminology may also affect market positioning and regulatory approaches, especially as 'Super Intelligence' carries a more ominous connotation that could impact public trust and investment.