# Trump mandates 'Super Intelligence' as official US government term for AI Executive order bans 'artificial intelligence' terminology in all official communications - **Source:** [The Verge](https://www.theverge.com) - **Published:** 2026-09-29 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/95a6deba-9c96-4d3c-b517-532ca9429097 ## Terminology overhaul President Trump's executive order requires all US government agencies to replace 'artificial intelligence' with 'Super Intelligence' in official documents and communications. The change applies to policy websites, regulations, and press releases, though existing documents won't need updating. This represents a significant semantic shift in how the government frames AI technologies, potentially influencing public perception and policy discourse. ## Trump's rationale Trump justified the terminology change by claiming 'super' is the 'best word of all' and that AI shouldn't be called 'artificial.' He compared the term 'artificial' to 'fake news,' suggesting it diminishes the technology's capabilities. The president made these remarks during the launch of America.gov, noting Chinese President Xi Jinping also approved of the new terminology during his recent White House visit. ## Broader implications The order effectively expands the term 'Super Intelligence' beyond its technical meaning in AI research circles to encompass all AI applications. Government officials are now expected to avoid using 'AI' or 'artificial intelligence' in official contexts. This could create confusion in international collaborations where standard terminology is important for technical and policy alignment. ## Industry meeting Trump signed the order after hosting tech CEOs including Nvidia's Jensen Huang and Tesla's Elon Musk at a White House luncheon focused on 'Super Intelligence.' The president described the meeting as 'very productive' and 'extremely friendly,' emphasizing industry self-regulation while noting existing oversight through agencies like the Department of Justice and FBI. ## Regulatory context The terminology shift comes amid ongoing debates about AI regulation. Trump suggested tech companies would voluntarily address community concerns about data centers through economic support. His comments reflect an approach favoring industry self-governance over strict government oversight, while maintaining existing law enforcement mechanisms for potential misuse. ## International dimension Trump first announced the rebranding plan during a UN General Assembly speech aimed at addressing AI safety concerns. The timing suggests an attempt to position US leadership in AI governance. The endorsement from China's president adds an unusual geopolitical dimension to what might otherwise be seen as a domestic branding exercise. ## Technical considerations While 'Super Intelligence' technically refers to AI systems surpassing human intelligence, the administration is applying it broadly. This could blur important distinctions between current AI capabilities and hypothetical future systems. The move may complicate technical discussions where precise terminology matters for safety research and capability assessments. ## Long-term impact The terminology mandate could influence how AI is perceived in policy debates and public discourse. By framing all AI as 'Super Intelligence,' the administration may be attempting to shape narratives around technological capability and governance needs. The practical effects will depend on how consistently agencies implement the change and whether it persists beyond this administration. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.theverge.com/policy/1002468/trump-ai-superintelligence-executive-order-ai — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._