Trump Administration Rebrands AI as 'Super Intelligence'
In late September 2026, President Trump signed an executive order directing government agencies to rebrand artificial intelligence (AI) to 'Super Intelligence' (SI).
Overview of the Rebranding Initiative
In late September 2026, President Trump signed an executive order directing government agencies to rebrand artificial intelligence (AI) to "Super Intelligence" (SI). This decision is part of a broader trend of rebranding initiatives by the administration, aimed at projecting a sense of U.S. dominance in various sectors. The term "Super Intelligence" was chosen over alternatives like "Extreme Intelligence" and "Supreme Intelligence" following a poll conducted on social media platform X.
Rationale Behind the Change
The administration argues that the new terminology reflects the evolving capabilities of AI systems, which they claim now "amplify human ingenuity" rather than merely imitating intelligence. This shift in language is intended to align government terminology with the perceived advancements in AI technology. However, the rebranding has sparked confusion and debate, particularly regarding its implications for public discourse.
Government Adoption and Challenges
One month into the rebranding, the term "Super Intelligence" has begun appearing in government solicitations, such as a request from Immigration and Customs Enforcement for SI-powered surveillance technology. However, the transition has not been seamless; some government agencies continue to use the term AI in their communications. For instance, the Pentagon's recent Project Meridian initiative referenced AI instead of SI, and the Federal Trade Commission used the term "superintelligence" in a press release, indicating inconsistencies in adoption.
Mixed Reactions from Tech Leaders
The rebranding has elicited varied responses from major tech executives. On the same day the executive order was signed, Trump announced the White House Accord on Super Intelligence, a nonbinding statement on AI safety endorsed by prominent figures such as Sundar Pichai (Google) and Elon Musk (xAI). Despite this endorsement, only a few executives, notably Musk and Zuckerberg, have consistently used the term "Super Intelligence" in their communications. Notably, Zuckerberg's use of the term predates the executive order, as Meta has been employing "superintelligence" since the previous year.
Public and Media Response
The rebranding has not gained widespread traction in public discourse. Reports indicate that even supportive media outlets like Newsmax have refrained from adopting the term. Trump's criticism of the Wall Street Journal for not using "Super Intelligence" highlights the administration's desire to enforce this new terminology across various platforms. However, many in the tech community remain skeptical of the term's utility and relevance.
Implications for the Tech Community
The rebranding to "Super Intelligence" raises questions about the future of AI terminology and its potential impact on the tech community. The shift could serve as a political loyalty test, where adherence to the new terminology may be perceived as alignment with the administration's policies. This dynamic could complicate discussions around AI, as the term may carry political connotations that could hinder objective analysis and discourse.
Conclusion
As the rebranding of AI to "Super Intelligence" unfolds, its effects on both government and industry practices remain to be seen. Creators and studios worldwide should remain aware of these developments, as the terminology used in discussions about AI could influence funding, policy, and public perception moving forward. Monitoring the adoption of this new language will be crucial for understanding its broader implications in the tech landscape.
