California Governor Gavin Newsom has issued a new executive order directing state agencies to continue using the terms “artificial intelligence” and “AI,” directly mocking President Donald Trump’s recent push to rename the technology “Super Intelligence.”
The executive order, signed on September 30, 2024, mandates that all departments and agencies under the governor’s authority stick to the conventional industry terminology. The directive applies regardless of any rebranded terms introduced by the federal government, provided it remains consistent with existing laws.
A Tongue-in-Cheek Declaration on Social Media
Newsom highlighted the policy shift on social media, joking that he had permanently secured the term for his state. “I just signed an executive order permanently declaring Artificial Intelligence ‘Artificial Intelligence’ in California. You’re welcome, America,” the governor wrote on X.
The state-level order serves as a direct response to Trump’s recent announcement at the United Nations General Assembly. On September 22, Trump declared that the United States would officially replace “artificial intelligence” and “AI” with “Super Intelligence” and “SI” in federal communications. Trump argued that the word “artificial” made the technology sound fake and announced that official federal documents would transition to the new moniker.
Substance Over Terminology
In his executive order, Newsom took a swipe at the federal rebranding effort, suggesting that superficial name changes are a distraction from real policy issues. The governor stated that renaming something cannot hide a failure to address the genuine safety and security risks associated with the emerging technology.
Newsom also pointed to California’s dominant role in the tech sector, noting that the state leads the nation in AI innovation. He emphasized that the state’s priority remains implementing robust safety measures, safeguarding consumer privacy, and ensuring secure technological development rather than altering vocabulary.
A Growing Divide in Tech Governance
The terminology split highlights a widening gap between the federal government and California on how to approach tech policy. Before settling on “Super Intelligence,” Trump reportedly polled his social media followers on several alternative options, including “Superior Intelligence,” “Extreme Intelligence,” and “Supreme Intelligence.” The Trump administration has since moved to formalize the shift, directing federal agencies to adopt “SI” in official documents.
With California agencies officially barred from using the federal “Super Intelligence” label, the tech capital of the country is set to remain at odds with Washington over the very words used to describe the future of technology.