US diplomats told to use term ‘super intelligence’ not ‘artificial intelligence’ after Trump’s call

The State Department has instructed diplomats working in the international organizations bureau to replace the term "artificial intelligence" with "super intelligence" in all communications, following President Donald Trump's attempt to rebrand the technology during his address to the United Nations General Assembly.

Michael Drager, deputy assistant secretary of state for the Bureau of International Organization Affairs, sent an email on Tuesday to employees directing them to make the change in all remarks, positions, and press elements. The email, titled "Change in Nomenclature AI to SI," was obtained by The Associated Press.

President Trump argued that the term "artificial intelligence" makes the technology seem "fake" and less impressive, stating that U.S. government documents will now use the term "super intelligence" instead. He claimed that the word "artificial" gives intelligence a negative connotation and that the technology is, in fact, remarkable.

The change was referenced in a U.N. Security Council meeting on Wednesday, where tech executives urged the U.N.'s primary body to impose stricter regulations on AI development. Concerns about AI outpacing human control have been growing, with tech executives, lawmakers, and others warning of the potential dangers of rapid advancement.

Trump has previously rejected calls for greater government oversight of AI development, stating his belief that the U.S. needs to maintain a competitive edge over China. He claimed on social media that the U.S. is leading in AI development and that he does not intend to hinder innovation. The technology is expected to be a key topic during Trump's upcoming visit to Washington to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping.