US President Donald Trump wants government agencies to replace the term “Artificial Intelligence” with “Super Intelligence”. He argues that the existing name no longer reflects the technology’s the capabilities.
Trump announced the policy in an executive order signed on September 29, 2026, titled Inaugurating the Era of Super Intelligence. The order directs US executive departments and agencies to use “Super Intelligence” and the abbreviation “SI” instead of “Artificial Intelligence” and “AI” in official communications, websites, reports and policy documents.
In a post on Truth Social on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, Trump criticised the existing term and questioned why The Wall Street Journal had not adopted his preferred name.
“When will The Wall Street Journal start calling Artificial Intelligence (AI), a very bad and inaccurate name, SI (Super Intelligence), the name which virtually everyone else is using, or soon will be,” he wrote.
He added: “In short order, we will be officially BANNING the term, ‘AI/Artificial Intelligence,’ in all relevant documents, and everything else, due to its inaccuracy.”
The White House says the new name also shows the opportunities it offers the American economy.
In its September 29 statement, the administration said the United States argued that these systems can do more than imitate human intelligence because they can help people solve problems and advance scientific research.
The change also supports Trump’s push to keep the United States ahead of other countries in technology. Advanced computer systems have applications in medicine, manufacturing, scientific research, and other industries. The administration wants to promote their development and the economic benefits they bring.
However, the name change does not mean that every existing AI system has become more intelligent. It changes the government’s preferred terminology, not the technology itself.
Can Trump ban the term AI?
Trump can direct federal executive agencies to change the language they use in official documents, provided they follow applicable laws. However, he cannot use the order to force every American, private company, university or news organisation to stop using the term AI.
Congress makes federal laws, and a presidential executive order cannot automatically rewrite legislation. Private media organisations also retain the right to choose their own terminology.
READ ALSO: Mr Eazi Keeps Posting on TikTok Despite Investor’s Advice
The order does not require government agencies to rewrite previously issued regulations, contracts, grants and historical documents.
This means The Wall Street Journal can continue to use “Artificial Intelligence”, as can Nigerian journalists, technology companies, and members of the public.
