Introduction: A New Name for a Powerful Technology

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become one of the most influential technologies of the modern era. From chatbots and autonomous vehicles to medical research, education and national security, AI is changing how people live and work. But a new debate has emerged in the United States: should artificial intelligence now be called Super Intelligence (SI)?

US President Donald Trump has pushed for this change, arguing that the term “super intelligence” better reflects the capabilities and potential of modern AI systems. On September 29, 2026, he signed an executive order directing federal executive agencies to use “Super Intelligence” and “SI” instead of “Artificial Intelligence” and “AI” in official communications, to the extent permitted by law. Source: The White House.

The announcement has brought renewed attention to a much larger question: are we simply improving existing AI tools, or are we moving towards machines that could eventually outperform human beings across a wide range of intellectual tasks?

What Is the Difference Between AI and SI?

Artificial Intelligence refers to computer systems designed to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as understanding language, recognizing images, writing code, analyzing information and solving problems.

Superintelligence, however, has a more specific meaning in technology and philosophy. It generally describes a hypothetical form of intelligence that surpasses the best human minds across virtually all important intellectual domains.

The distinction matters. Today's AI systems can perform impressive tasks, but their capabilities remain uneven and they can make serious mistakes. Human-level artificial general intelligence (AGI) and superintelligence are separate concepts, and neither should be assumed to have been achieved simply because AI models are becoming more powerful.

Trump's executive order uses “Super Intelligence” as a government-wide replacement term for the existing legal category of AI. It does not establish that every AI system is already super intelligent.

What Donald Trump Has Said

Trump has presented advanced AI as a major opportunity for American economic growth, technological leadership and national security.

In his September 29 executive order, titled Inaugurating the Era of Super Intelligence, his administration argued that modern systems have moved beyond what the original term “artificial intelligence” was intended to describe. The order directs executive agencies to adopt the new terminology in official communications, websites, reports and policy documents, subject to applicable law.

Trump has also linked the issue to America's competition with China. In July 2026, discussing possible controls on advanced AI, he said the United States must maintain its lead and warned against restrictions that could leave the country behind its rival. He described AI as a technology with enormous strategic importance. Source: Reuters.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the real test will not be whether the world calls the technology AI or SI, but whether humanity can develop and use it safely, responsibly and for the benefit of society. A new name may signal a new political direction, but sound research, effective safeguards and international cooperation will determine what this technological transformation means for future generations.