US Treasury pushes global partners to rename AI as 'super intelligence'

On October 15, the United States is advocating for its global partners to rename artificial intelligence as "super intelligence," believing the new term more accurately represents the emerging technology, according to a top US Treasury official. Treasury Undersecretary for International Affairs Erin Browne revealed that Washington is in discussions with other shareholders of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) about incorporating the new term in a statement being prepared by the fund's steering committee, the International Monetary and Financial Committee.

US President Donald Trump had previously instructed US government agencies to utilize the phrase "super intelligence" instead of "artificial intelligence" when discussing the technology. As the Group of 20 major economies currently hold the rotating presidency, the US seeks to make the change a global standard. Treasury Undersecretary Erin Browne emphasized that this shift aligns with President Trump's clear position and aims to effectively encapsulate the technology.

However, she declined to comment on whether the US would reject a consensus statement unless the term change was implemented. Sources familiar with the situation indicate that US officials have suggested insisting on the new language during negotiations on the IMFC statement, which has raised concerns among some other IMFC members.

If the United States refuses to back a consensus statement, the current IMFC chair, Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan, could issue a chair's statement summarizing member views. An alternative might involve avoiding mention of SI or AI entirely and focusing on "new technology" instead. The IMFC will hold a news conference and release the finalized statement, led by Al-Jadaan and IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, on Saturday.