US government’s new order replaces ‘artificial intelligence’ with ‘Super Intelligence’; federal agencies directed to use new term

US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order directing federal agencies to stop using “artificial intelligence” and instead use the term “Super Intelligence”, or “SI”, in their official communications. The move comes as the Trump administration continues to push for rapid AI development while concerns grow over AI safety, job losses and autonomous systems acting without direct human control. The order says the new term better reflects what advanced AI systems can do and the opportunities they could create. Trump had already started using “Super Intelligence” in public remarks, including at the United Nations last week.Why is Trump calling AI ‘Super Intelligence’The executive order says the technology has moved beyond simply copying or automating individual parts of human intelligence. “As these capabilities continue to improve, they increasingly represent not merely artificial intelligence, but a new era of Super Intelligence,” the order said. “It’s not artificial, we all agree on that,” Trump told reporters on Tuesday.The order directs federal agencies to use “Super Intelligence” or “SI” when referring to the technology in public communications, websites, reports, policy documents and other official material.It also gives Michael Kratsios, director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, responsibility for deciding whether the government's definition of the term should be changed or expanded. “Within 60 days of the date of this order, the Assistant to the President for Science and Technology (APST), in consultation with the heads of other agencies as the APST deems appropriate, shall submit to the President proposed legislative language to establish a Federal definition of “Super Intelligence” and “SI” that reflects the capabilities described in section 1 of this order,” the order stated.‘Super intelligence’ already has a different meaning in AIThe term is not new to the AI industry. In AI research, superintelligence generally refers to a system that is more capable than humans across virtually all areas of cognitive work. Such a system has not been achieved.Trump's executive order uses the term more broadly for the rapidly developing AI technology being built today.This makes the change more than a simple wording update. Federal agencies will now be expected to use the administration's preferred terminology when discussing AI in their public-facing work.Trump has been using the term for daysTrump began using “Super Intelligence” publicly before signing the executive order. During his address to the United Nations last week, he said the US would reject attempts to create a global system for controlling AI and referred to the technology as “Super Intelligence.”The White House has also used the term in its recent policy announcements. Following Trump's meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, the two countries agreed to use “super intelligence” rather than “artificial intelligence” for the emerging technology. They also agreed to create a US-China Super Intelligence Dialogue to discuss its risks and benefits.The change in terminology comes as the debate over AI safety is becoming more intense. Trump has repeatedly argued that the US needs to remain ahead in AI development, particularly as it competes with China. His administration has also favoured working with AI companies rather than imposing broad new regulations.What does the name change mean for usersFor most people, the immediate impact is likely to be limited. The executive order changes the terminology used by federal agencies rather than creating a new type of AI technology.Government websites, reports and policy documents will increasingly refer to “Super Intelligence” or “SI” instead of “artificial intelligence.” The administration says “Super Intelligence” better captures the rapid development and potential of AI. At the same time, AI companies and policymakers continue to debate how to prevent powerful systems from being misused or acting outside their intended purpose.You use AI every day. Now get your AI Quotient. Take the AIQ test.