Trump White House Directs Use of “Super Intelligence” (SI) in Place of “AI”: Overview for Enterprise Leaders
On September 29, 2026, President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14434, titled “Inaugurating the Era of Super Intelligence.” The Order directs the executive branch of the federal government to use the terms “Super Intelligence” and “SI” in place of “Artificial Intelligence” and “AI” in official materials.
This change affects federal terminology and may influence how organizations interact with government agencies, update internal documentation, and approach AI strategy.
What the Executive Order Requires
The Order instructs federal departments and agencies to:
- Use “Super Intelligence” and “SI” in official correspondence, public communications, websites, reports, policy documents, and other non-statutory materials.
- Discontinue use of the terms “Artificial Intelligence” and “AI” in those contexts, to the maximum extent permitted by law.
- Leave previously issued regulations, Presidential actions, contracts, grants, and historical documents unchanged.
The Order further directs the Assistant to the President for Science and Technology to submit, within 60 days, a proposed federal definition of “Super Intelligence” and “SI,” along with any recommended legislative or executive actions needed to implement it.
For the purposes of the Order, “Super Intelligence” and “SI” currently refer to the same technologies covered by the existing statutory definition of artificial intelligence in 15 U.S.C. § 9401(3), unless and until a new definition is established.
Stated Rationale
According to the official Fact Sheet and the text of the Order, the administration’s stated reason for the change is that current systems have capabilities that extend beyond the original meaning of the term “Artificial Intelligence.” The documents describe these systems as amplifying human ingenuity and enabling new applications in science, medicine, energy, manufacturing, and other domains. The administration presents “Super Intelligence” as a term that better reflects those capabilities.
The change follows earlier federal actions, including the Genesis Mission (announced with more than $5 billion in funding), America’s AI Action Plan (July 2025), and the National Super Intelligence Policy Framework (March 2026).
Implications for Organizations
Federal Interactions
Organizations that submit materials to federal agencies, participate in federal contracts or grants, or maintain public-facing content related to government work may encounter the new terminology. Teams responsible for federal-facing documents may need to review and update language for consistency with agency practices.
Internal Governance and Documentation
Organizations that maintain responsible AI policies, risk frameworks, board reports, or training materials built around the term “AI” may choose to evaluate whether updates are warranted for clarity when interacting with federal partners.
AI Strategy Considerations
The terminology shift is part of a broader set of federal initiatives focused on technology development and deployment. Organizations may wish to review how their AI strategy accounts for evolving federal language, funding priorities, and engagement requirements, particularly in sectors such as science, energy, manufacturing, and defense.
Stakeholder Communications
Companies may independently decide whether and how to reference the new federal terminology in external communications, investor materials, or customer-facing content.
Practical Considerations for Organizations
- Review federal-facing materials (proposals, reports, websites, and contract language) for consistency with current agency terminology.
- Assess internal AI governance documents and determine whether parallel language is useful for clarity in federal contexts.
- Brief relevant leadership on the scope of the Order (terminology change within the executive branch; no immediate change to the underlying statutory definition).
- Monitor the forthcoming proposed federal definition of Super Intelligence, due within 60 days of the Order.
- Update AI strategy documentation where federal engagement, risk language, or long-term technology planning is affected.
- Map relevant capabilities against ongoing federal initiatives, where applicable.
Note on state-level responses
On September 30, 2026, California issued a separate executive order directing state agencies to continue using the terms “Artificial Intelligence” and “AI.” For details on California’s action and its implications for organizations operating in the state, see our companion article: California Governor Newsom Directs Continued Use of “Artificial Intelligence” Terminology: Overview for Enterprise Leaders.
Resources from The AI Table
The AI Table provides research, policy briefs, and membership programs focused on responsible AI adoption, governance, and AI strategy. These resources are designed to help organizations translate federal policy developments into practical internal frameworks.
Available materials include guidance on responsible AI and AI strategy policies, data governance and explainability frameworks, and executive briefings for technology and policy leaders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Executive Order change the legal definition of the technology?
No. At present, Super Intelligence is defined by reference to the existing statutory definition of artificial intelligence. A revised federal definition is under development.
Are private organizations required to stop using the term “AI”?
No. The Order applies only to the executive branch of the federal government.
What is the practical effect of the terminology change?
The Order standardizes language within federal agencies. Its longer-term effects will depend on how agencies implement the directive and on any subsequent definition or policy actions.
How should existing responsible AI programs respond?
Organizations can continue existing risk-management, transparency, and accountability practices. They may evaluate whether terminology updates improve consistency with federal partners.
Where are the official documents?
- Executive Order 14434: Inaugurating the Era of Super Intelligence
- Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Inaugurates The Era of Super Intelligence
Organizations interacting with federal agencies or tracking national technology policy may find it useful to monitor implementation of the Order and any subsequent definition of Super Intelligence. You can stay-up-to date on these changes via our AI Table newsletter. For frameworks related to responsible AI, governance, and AI strategy, The AI Table offers research and advisory resources.
