President Donald Trump on Thursday posted on Truth Social that anyone who uses the term "Artificial Intelligence" instead of the newer preferred label "Super Intelligence" is "THE ENEMY!" The message is part of an effort by the president to push a rebranding of commonly used AI terminology.
The executive order and its guidance
Trump's September executive order reinforced the use of the term "Super Intelligence" (SI). The order defines "Super Intelligence" by referencing the existing federal legal definition of artificial intelligence and asks federal agencies to change how they describe and refer to AI in official communications.
The order does not impose penalties for using the term "Artificial Intelligence," but it explicitly encourages agencies to adopt the new wording in government materials.
State Department directive following UN speech
After Trump’s speech at the United Nations on September 22, the State Department instructed U.S. diplomats to adopt the "Super Intelligence" terminology in their communications.
Practice versus policy: the White House still uses 'AI'
Despite the push for "Super Intelligence," the White House and parts of the federal government continue to use "AI" in official content. The government’s AI-focused website, AI.gov, still uses the term "artificial intelligence," and the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy likewise references "artificial intelligence" in its materials.
When an Axios reporter queried the America.gov chatbot about AI, the bot replied: "The executive branch uses Super Intelligence (SI) for this topic, not the older term you used," indicating that the preferred terminology has been incorporated into some communication systems.
Why the distinction matters
Switching to "Super Intelligence" is not just semantic. The label risks conflating current AI systems with a hypothetical, more advanced form of intelligence that would exceed human capabilities. Technology industry and scientific communities typically use "AI," and a government-led terminological shift could affect regulation, public communication, and international discussions.
Current status
The White House did not respond to Axios’s request for comment on Thursday. Observers will be watching whether official websites and agency materials are updated to reflect the administration's preferred "Super Intelligence" terminology.
