President Trump is pushing world leaders and U.S. agencies to rename AI as 'super intelligence,' according to Axios. Trump reportedly said the word 'artificial' makes the technology 'sound fake.'
The push has drawn scrutiny because 'superintelligence' already carries a specific meaning within the AI field, referring broadly to AI that surpasses human cognition, Axios reported. That term has become both an industry ambition and the focus of efforts by some researchers to slow or ban development of such systems, but Trump does not appear to be referring to that specific concept, according to Axios.
Newsweek reported that experts are weighing in on whether Trump can successfully rebrand AI with the new terminology. The South China Morning Post noted the push comes amid numerous unresolved issues between the United States and China, without specifying how the two are connected.
The Irish Times reported that some members of Trump's base are exasperated by his embrace of AI. The Washington Post described the effort as Trump's latest rebranding project.
Separately, the New York Post reported that the administration is preparing to select a second-ever AI chief, described as a 'superintelligence czar,' with several former and current administration insiders rumored to be under consideration for the role overseeing the AI industry.
How each side covered it
Left
- The Washington Post characterized the AI renaming push as Trump's latest rebranding project.
“Trump's newest rebranding project: The technology formerly known as AI” — The Washington Post
Center
- Axios reported Trump is pushing world leaders and agencies to adopt 'super intelligence' instead of 'artificial intelligence.'
- Axios noted the term already has an established, different meaning in the AI industry tied to debates over slowing advanced AI.
- Newsweek examined whether experts believe Trump can successfully rebrand the technology.
- The Irish Times reported frustration among some of Trump's base over his embrace of AI.
“President Trump is pushing world leaders and U.S. agencies to rename AI "super intelligence."” — Axios
Right
- The New York Post reported the administration is preparing to name a second AI chief, dubbed a 'superintelligence czar.'
- The outlet said several administration insiders are rumored to be under consideration for the role.
“Trump's new superintelligence czar: Here's who is in the running to lead new AI Force” — New York Post
Questions readers ask
What is Trump proposing to do with the term 'AI'?
According to Axios, President Trump is pushing world leaders and U.S. agencies to rename artificial intelligence as 'super intelligence,' reportedly because he believes the word 'artificial' makes it sound fake.
Why does the renaming push matter to AI experts?
Axios reported that 'superintelligence' already has a distinct meaning in the AI field, describing AI that surpasses human cognition, and is central to debates over whether such advanced systems should be slowed or banned.
How did left- and right-leaning outlets cover this differently?
The Washington Post, a left-leaning outlet, framed the move as part of a pattern of rebranding efforts by Trump, while the New York Post, a right-leaning outlet, focused on the administration's search for a new 'superintelligence czar' to lead AI policy.
Is there a connection to U.S.-China relations?
The South China Morning Post reported the push is occurring amid several unresolved issues between the United States and China, though it did not specify a direct link between the two.
Who might lead AI policy under this new terminology?
The New York Post reported that several former and current administration insiders are rumored to be under consideration for a new role overseeing the AI industry, described as a 'superintelligence czar.'
Sources · 6 outlet reports
- The Washington PostLeft-leaningTrump’s newest rebranding project: The technology formerly known as AI
- AxiosCenterInside Trump's "super intelligence" naming problem
- NewsweekCenterCan Trump Rebrand AI? Experts Weigh President’s ‘Super Intelligence’ Push
- South China Morning PostCenterAmid many thorny issues with China, Trump pushes to rename AI as superintelligence
- The Irish TimesCenterMaga base exasperated as Trump embraces AI
- New York PostRight-leaningTrump’s new superintelligence czar: Here’s who is in the running to lead new AI Force