DOJ Mandates 'Super Intelligence' Terminology in Court Filings

Key points

• Acting Deputy Attorney General Trent McCotter sent a memo titled 'Super Intelligence' to DOJ staff, instructing them to adopt the new terminology in all government duties and legal filings where appropriate.
• The directive references a September 29 executive order by President Trump, which mandates the use of 'super intelligence' to the maximum extent permitted by law across all federal agencies.
• The administration argues that this terminology reflects the 'transformative capabilities' of technologies pioneered by American innovators, aiming to counter negative public perceptions of AI.
• The policy is part of a broader strategy to promote U.S. dominance in AI while rejecting global oversight and mandatory safety regulations, favoring voluntary audits and self-regulation.
• Critics and safety advocates argue that this rebranding is an attempt to sideline experts who have warned about the dangers of advanced AI, labeling their concerns as cultish or unserious.

Background

This development follows a series of actions by the Trump administration in late 2026, including the proposal of an 'AI Force' and the appointment of an AI Czar to accelerate development. In September, President Trump rejected global AI oversight at the United Nations, insisting on U.S. leadership and calling for the term 'super intelligence' to replace 'artificial intelligence.' Earlier in the month, he dismissed AI safety warnings as a hoax, contrasting with concerns from experts like Geoffrey Hinton about the need for regulation.

How outlets are covering it

NBC News and Bloomberg Law News focus on the specific administrative directive from the Justice Department, highlighting the mandatory nature of the terminology change in legal contexts. The Washington Post provides a broader critical perspective, framing the move as an effort by Trump allies to sideline AI safety advocates who have previously warned about the technology's risks. Yahoo News confirms the scope of the order across the Justice Department. The outlets differ in emphasis: NBC and Bloomberg treat it as a procedural policy update, while The Washington Post contextualizes it within a larger conflict between pro-innovation administration officials and safety-focused experts.

Why it matters

This directive signals a significant shift in how the U.S. government officially characterizes artificial intelligence, potentially influencing legal standards, public discourse, and regulatory approaches. By mandating the term 'super intelligence,' the administration seeks to normalize the technology and counter safety concerns, which could impact future legislation, corporate compliance, and international relations regarding AI governance.

What to watch

The Justice Department will likely enforce the terminology in ongoing and future court cases. Other federal agencies are expected to follow suit under the executive order. The administration may continue to push for voluntary audits and self-regulatory bodies for AI companies, while safety advocates may face further marginalization in policy discussions. Congress may also react to the lack of mandatory federal regulations, potentially proposing alternative legislative frameworks.