Trump Signs Order Rebranding AI as 'Super Intelligence' Amid Tech Summit

Key points

• The executive order mandates the use of 'super intelligence' and 'SI' in federal documents, websites, and reports, replacing 'AI' and 'artificial intelligence.'
• The directive applies to new communications but does not retroactively alter existing laws, contracts, or historical records.
• The order sets a 60-day deadline for the Assistant to the President for Science and Technology to propose new statutory definitions to Congress.
• The signing followed a high-profile luncheon with leaders from Nvidia, Meta, Google, OpenAI, and other major tech firms.
• Trump characterized the technology as 'bigger than the internet' and emphasized maintaining U.S. global competitiveness over China.

Background

This development follows earlier reports in September 2026 that Trump was planning to rename AI to 'super intelligence' and appointing an 'AI Czar.' Previous coverage noted that Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent was ruled out for the czar role, and that Trump had previously dismissed warnings about AI risks as a 'hoax.' The current order formalizes the terminology shift previously discussed in administration circles.

How outlets are covering it

Politico and The Times of India report the executive order as a definitive rebranding effort, noting that the administration claims current systems exceed the capabilities implied by the term 'artificial intelligence.' Fox News highlights the White House luncheon, emphasizing Trump’s stance against 'hyperregulation' and his desire to maintain a competitive edge over China, while noting that House Speaker Mike Johnson called for voluntary transparency and external auditing. CNN’s coverage, though partially obscured by technical errors in the source text, suggests that Trump’s dismissive attitude toward AI risks may be backfiring politically, contrasting with warnings from figures like Bill Gates and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez about the technology’s dangers. Fox News also notes that OpenAI canceled a new model release over safety concerns, highlighting a tension between the administration’s pro-growth stance and industry safety measures.

Why it matters

The rebranding could influence public perception and regulatory frameworks by framing AI as a more advanced, transformative technology. It may also affect how federal agencies approach oversight and funding, potentially shifting focus from traditional AI concerns to broader 'super intelligence' implications. The move signals a strong commitment to U.S. technological dominance but risks downplaying legitimate safety and ethical concerns raised by critics and some industry leaders.

What to watch

The Assistant to the President for Science and Technology is expected to submit proposed legislation to Congress within 60 days to establish a new federal statutory definition for 'super intelligence.' The administration may also pursue further regulatory adjustments to align with the new terminology, while industry leaders continue to advocate for voluntary safety measures and transparency.