AI Leaders Adopt Trump’s ‘Super Intelligence’ Terminology Despite Technical Distinctions
Major tech executives are aligning with the president’s preferred terminology for artificial intelligence, shifting away from standard industry definitions.
Key points
- Donald Trump has declared that those using the term “artificial intelligence” are enemies of the state.
- The president prefers the capitalized phrase “Super Intelligence” to describe current AI technologies.
- Many AI industry leaders are adopting this terminology despite its historical distinction from current tech.
Major artificial intelligence executives are increasingly adopting the terminology preferred by U.S. President Donald Trump, shifting away from standard industry definitions. According to a report by Gizmodo, these leaders are aligning with the president’s insistence on using the phrase “Super Intelligence” rather than “artificial intelligence.”
The president has explicitly stated that anyone continuing to use the term “artificial intelligence” is “THE ENEMY.” This directive represents a significant departure from established technical language. Gizmodo notes that many luminaries in the AI business are going along with this whim, often with gusto, rather than correcting the record.
Context on Terminology Shifts
Historically, artificial intelligence and superintelligence have been distinct concepts within computer science and philosophy. Artificial intelligence began in the 1950s as an observation of computer capabilities. It evolved into a field of inquiry that eventually produced neural networks, deep learning, and large language models.
Superintelligence, by contrast, refers to a hypothetical form of intelligence superior to humanity. Early uses in the 19th century described it as “God’s will” or an unknowable force. The concept gained traction in Silicon Valley after Nick Bostrom’s 2014 book, Superintelligence: Paths, Dangers, Strategies.
Impact on Industry Leadership
Despite the clear historical and technical differences, the current political climate has blurred these lines. Gizmodo reports that a month ago, no one doing serious work in AI would have equated the two concepts. However, the president’s belligerence about the term has led to a shift in public messaging among tech leaders.
The report suggests that the president’s confusion and perversity regarding these terms stem from a lack of technical understanding. Nevertheless, industry figures are complying with the president’s preference. Gizmodo characterizes this compliance as evidence of the president’s unfit leadership in tech, yet notes that many executives are not speaking up about his deficiencies.
What should you do?
Monitor official communications from major AI vendors for changes in terminology. Track how these shifts impact product branding and marketing materials. Watch for regulatory language that may adopt the president’s preferred phrasing. Stay informed on how this terminology change affects public perception and investment trends.
Background: Large language models
Large language models are a specific type of neural network trained on text. Generative AI is the broader umbrella term for any system that creates new content, including images and code. Not all generative AI uses large language models, but most modern text generators do.
What to do and how to stay safe: Donald Trump
- Review recent press releases from major AI companies to identify adoption of the term “Super Intelligence.”
- Monitor legislative drafts and executive orders for usage of the new terminology in regulatory contexts.
- Track social media sentiment among technical experts regarding the conflation of AI and superintelligence.
- Assess internal communications strategies to ensure consistency with evolving industry and political standards.
Step-by-step guide: Prompt Injection Warning Signs: How to Spot AI Manipulation
General security guidance from the Threat Times newsroom. It is not confirmed advice from the organisations named in this story.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Donald Trump changing the name of artificial intelligence?
The president prefers the term “Super Intelligence” and has stated that those using “artificial intelligence” are enemies.
What is the difference between AI and superintelligence?
AI refers to current technologies like neural networks and LLMs, while superintelligence is a hypothetical intelligence superior to humanity.
Are AI leaders supporting this terminology change?
Yes, many AI luminaries are adopting the term “Super Intelligence” despite its historical distinction from current technology.
