NEWSOM MOCKS TRUMP’S AI NAME CHANGE IN CALIFORNIA

California Governor Gavin Newsom has responded to US President Donald Trump’s decision to rename artificial intelligence as “Super Intelligence” by ordering state agencies to continue using the terms “Artificial Intelligence” and “AI.”

Newsom announced the move on X, joking that he had “permanently” declared the technology as Artificial Intelligence in California.

The executive order directs California agencies and departments under Newsom’s authority to use “Artificial Intelligence” and “AI,” regardless of different terminology adopted by the federal government, unless doing so would conflict with the law.

The move appeared to be a satirical response to Trump’s decision to replace “Artificial Intelligence” and “AI” with “Super Intelligence” and “SI” in federal government communications.

Trump announced the terminology change during his address to the United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 22. He said the word “artificial” made intelligence sound fake.

Trump also stated that US government documents would use “Super Intelligence” going forward, with “SI” serving as the abbreviation.

Newsom’s order also criticised the focus on changing the technology’s name, saying such a move should not distract from concerns about AI safety and security.

The California governor said the state remains a major centre for AI innovation while also working on measures relating to AI safety, security and consumer privacy.

Trump’s decision followed a social media poll in which he asked followers to choose from alternative names, including “Superior Intelligence,” “Extreme Intelligence” and “Supreme Intelligence.” He later settled on “Super Intelligence.”

The Trump administration has since taken steps to formalise the terminology change, with federal agencies reportedly being directed to use “Super Intelligence” and “SI” in official communications.

Newsom’s order means California agencies under his authority will continue using the conventional terms, creating a terminology difference between the federal government and California.