Trump Proposes ‘Super Intelligence’ to Rebrand AI

Donald Trump has launched a campaign to rename artificial intelligence, proposing terms like ‘Super Intelligence’ to make the technology more palatable. His social‑media posts and polls reveal both enthusiasm and criticism, highlighting the broader debate over how society frames AI.

By Felo News Desk · Published Mon, 21 Sep 2026 22:36:22 GMT

On September 19, 2026, former President Donald Trump took to Twitter and Truth Social to announce a new branding initiative for artificial intelligence. He argued that the phrase “artificial intelligence” carries negative connotations and that a fresher, more positive label would help the public embrace the technology. Trump’s proposal, which includes names such as “Superior Intelligence,” “Extreme Intelligence,” and ultimately “Super Intelligence,” was presented as a way to highlight AI’s potential while assuaging fears about its power and impact.

Trump’s Naming Campaign

Trump’s initial tweet read, “Many people think that the words ‘Artificial Intelligence’ are inaccurate, and very ineloquent, relative to AI, or Artificial Intelligence.” He followed up with a poll that offered several alternatives: Superior Intelligence (SI), Extreme Intelligence (EI), and Supreme Intelligence (SI). The poll, which attracted 41.5% of votes for Superior Intelligence, was a clear attempt to gauge public sentiment on the new terminology.

While the poll’s results showed a plurality for Superior Intelligence, Trump quickly shifted his focus. On the following Monday, he posted a second poll on Truth Social that compared “Superior Intelligence” to “Super Intelligence.” The latter won decisively, prompting Trump to adopt the term in subsequent posts. He began using the acronym SI and began positioning the new label as a way to counter “AI doomerism” and compare it to climate change, a comparison he has historically downplayed.

Public Reaction and Criticism

Critics argue that terms like Superior or Super Intelligence imply that AI surpasses human intellect, potentially fueling the very anxieties Trump sought to mitigate. The idea that AI could be “superior” to humans suggests a hierarchy that many find unsettling, especially when paired with the notion that human intelligence might be “inferior.” Moreover, the use of “Super Intelligence” aligns with the already established concept of superintelligence in academic circles, most notably Nick Bostrom’s 1997 definition of an intellect that far exceeds human capabilities in virtually every domain.

Trump’s branding efforts also extended to the creation of an “AI Force,” a concept he likened to the Space Force. In a Truth Social post, he announced plans to establish an AI “Czar” and to recruit individuals with high IQs. The AI Force, however, has been criticized for its vague nature and for evoking images of forced implementation or militarization of AI, rather than a benign or beneficial integration into society.

Context Behind the Move

Trump’s push to rebrand AI is not an isolated political maneuver. It intersects with several of his long‑standing positions: his ties to the tech industry, his hawkish stance toward China, and his concern about the economic implications of AI adoption. During the 2024 election, tech companies contributed significant sums to Trump’s campaign, and he has frequently positioned AI as a frontier where the United States can maintain technological superiority over China.

Additionally, AI’s rapid growth has become a double‑edged sword for the U.S. economy. While AI promises increased productivity and innovation, it also raises concerns about job displacement and data privacy. Trump’s rebranding effort may be an attempt to balance these competing narratives, presenting AI as a tool that can be harnessed for national benefit while reassuring a base that is wary of rapid technological change.

What Happens Next?

As of now, there is no official policy or regulatory framework that adopts Trump’s proposed terminology. The U.S. government has yet to issue statements endorsing the use of “Super Intelligence,” and industry leaders have largely remained silent on the matter. The next steps will likely involve monitoring public response to the new labels, assessing whether the rebranding reduces fear or simply creates confusion, and determining how the terminology might influence future AI policy debates.

In the meantime, the conversation around AI’s naming continues to evolve. Some experts suggest that clearer, more descriptive terms—such as “machine learning” or “intelligent systems”—might be more effective at communicating the technology’s capabilities without invoking the negative connotations associated with “artificial.” Others argue that any rebranding effort must be accompanied by transparent policy measures to address the ethical, economic, and security concerns that AI raises.

Key facts

Trump proposes new names for AI to improve public perception
Initial poll favored ‘Superior Intelligence,’ but he switched to ‘Super Intelligence’
Critics argue the new terms may heighten fears about AI surpassing humans
The AI Force concept parallels Trump’s Space Force but is vague
Trump’s move ties into his tech ties, China hawkish stance, and economic concerns

Why it matters

Trump’s attempt to rename AI reflects a broader struggle over how society frames emerging technologies. The terminology used can shape public perception, influence policy, and affect how the technology is integrated into everyday life.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between ‘Superior Intelligence’ and ‘Super Intelligence’?

Both terms aim to replace ‘Artificial Intelligence’ but ‘Super Intelligence’ has gained more traction in Trump’s recent posts and is seen as a clearer, more powerful label.