On Tuesday, President Donald Trump took a significant step in reshaping the narrative around intelligent technology by signing an executive order that replaces the term "artificial intelligence" with "Super Intelligence" throughout the federal executive branch. This move consolidates a rebranding initiative that Trump has advocated for in recent weeks.
The order was signed following a summit at the White House with top technology executives and mandates that federal agencies adopt the terminology "Super Intelligence" and its abbreviation "SI" in all forms of official communication, including public statements, websites, reports, and policy documents. Furthermore, it explicitly instructs these agencies to discontinue the use of "artificial intelligence" and "AI."
Additionally, the order empowers the assistant to the president for science and technology to create a federal definition of SI and to propose further executive measures to facilitate this change in terminology.
In his order, Trump articulated that the term "AI" fails to encompass the rapid advancements and potentials of these technologies, proposing that "Super Intelligence" is a more fitting descriptor. He stated, "The term 'Super Intelligence' better reflects the promise, potential, and rapidly advancing capabilities of these systems," noting that current AI technologies enhance human creativity and signify the dawn of a new era.
This rebranding effort follows remarks Trump made at the recent United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) where he had previously called for the transition from "artificial intelligence" to "Super Intelligence."
During the UNGA, he emphasized the importance of mastering this new technology, stating, "Whoever wins SI, whoever wins superintelligence, wins. That's the group that wins."
The executive order emerges amidst ongoing discussions among governments and tech firms regarding the regulation of rapidly evolving AI systems. During his summit, Trump refrained from endorsing formal regulations on SI, sharing that the attendees ultimately ratified a document referred to as the White House Accord on Super Intelligence, which he described as "morally binding" for those who signed it. Trump remarked that the tech leaders regarded this agreement as akin to a separate constitution.
Following the summit, House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed that the discussions were centered on finding a harmonious balance between the needs of American citizens, technological progress, and preserving the nation’s competitive advantage over China. He summarized the document as establishing principles, standards, and commitments that are voluntary for the industry, aimed at ensuring robust internal controls and thorough reviews.
In the evening, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg shared his thoughts on the summit via X (formerly known as Twitter), noting it as a "positive step." He appreciated the commitment from leaders of prominent American labs to implement strong internal governance and multiple layers of auditing, suggesting this would enhance public confidence in the technologies being developed.
