Trump Administration Mandates 'Super Intelligence' Term for Federal Agencies, Redefining AI

What Happened

On September 30, 2026, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing all federal agencies to cease using the term "artificial intelligence" and instead adopt "Super Intelligence," or "SI," in their official communications. This directive applies to public communications, websites, reports, and policy documents. The administration asserts that this new terminology more accurately reflects the advanced capabilities of current AI systems and the opportunities they present. President Trump had already begun using "Super Intelligence" in public remarks prior to the order, notably during his address to the United Nations last week, where he also stated the US would reject attempts to create a global system for controlling AI. The White House has also incorporated the term into recent policy announcements, including a joint agreement with Chinese President Xi Jinping to use "super intelligence" for emerging technology and to establish a US-China Super Intelligence Dialogue.

What the Evidence Establishes

The executive order, signed by President Trump, explicitly mandates the shift in terminology for federal agencies. It states, "As these capabilities continue to improve, they increasingly represent not merely artificial intelligence, but a new era of Super Intelligence." The order further clarifies that the technology has evolved beyond simply copying or automating human intelligence. Michael Kratsios, the director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (APST), has been tasked with submitting proposed legislative language within 60 days to establish a federal definition of "Super Intelligence" and "SI." This legislative proposal is intended to reflect the capabilities outlined in Section 1 of the executive order. The administration's rationale is that "It’s not artificial, we all agree on that," as Trump told reporters on Tuesday. This move underscores a deliberate effort to reframe the public and governmental perception of AI technology.

Where the Accounts Conflict

A significant conflict arises between the Trump administration's broad application of "Super Intelligence" and the established definition within the AI research community. In AI research, "superintelligence" typically refers to a hypothetical system that surpasses human cognitive abilities across virtually all domains. Such a system has not yet been achieved, and its existence remains a theoretical concept. However, Trump's executive order applies the term more broadly to the rapidly developing AI technology currently being built, which the AI industry would generally still classify as advanced artificial intelligence. This divergence means that federal agencies will now operate under a definition that differs from the academic and industry standard, potentially creating confusion or misinterpretations in technical discussions and international collaborations, despite the agreement with China to adopt the term.

Context and Stakes

The redefinition of AI as "Super Intelligence" occurs within a broader context of intense global competition, particularly between the United States and China, regarding technological leadership. President Trump has consistently emphasized the necessity for the US to maintain its lead in AI development. The administration has also shown a preference for collaborating with AI companies and promoting self-regulation rather than imposing extensive new regulations. This approach contrasts with growing concerns among some policymakers and researchers about AI safety, potential job displacement, and the risks associated with autonomous systems operating without direct human oversight. The establishment of a US-China Super Intelligence Dialogue, agreed upon after Trump's meeting with President Xi Jinping, highlights the geopolitical stakes involved in defining and controlling this technology, even as the terminology itself becomes a point of contention.

What to Watch Next

The immediate focus will be on the actions of Michael Kratsios, the Assistant to the President for Science and Technology. He is directed to submit proposed legislative language for a federal definition of "Super Intelligence" within 60 days of the executive order's signing. This legislative proposal will be critical in shaping how the US government formally defines and approaches advanced AI technologies. Observers will also monitor how federal agencies implement the new terminology in their public-facing communications and policy documents, and whether this shift influences public perception or industry practices. Furthermore, the progress and outcomes of the newly established US-China Super Intelligence Dialogue will be important indicators of international cooperation or divergence on AI governance and terminology, especially given the differing technical definitions of the term.

Bottom Line

President Trump's executive order to replace "artificial intelligence" with "Super Intelligence" in federal communications represents a deliberate strategic move to reframe the public and governmental discourse around advanced technology. While the immediate impact on most users is limited to a change in terminology on government platforms, the long-term implications could be substantial. This redefinition aligns with the administration's push for rapid AI development and a preference for industry self-regulation, positioning the US in its technological competition with China. The divergence from the established AI research definition of "superintelligence" introduces a semantic conflict that may complicate future technical and policy discussions, both domestically and internationally. The upcoming legislative proposal from Michael Kratsios will be a key document in understanding the administration's formal and enduring vision for "Super Intelligence."