Tech executives adopt Trump's preferred term for AI

Several prominent technology executives are adopting President Donald Trump's preferred term, super intelligence, in public statements and proposed name changes. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has used the phrase, while Elon Musk and Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff have announced plans to change names containing AI.

Musk said SpaceXAI would become SpaceXSI, and Benioff said Salesforce would rename AIForce to SIForce. Nadella repeatedly used super intelligence in an October 10 essay advocating stronger controls over advanced models. Those statements establish support for the terminology, rather than completion of every proposed rebranding.

Nvidia also used the phrase in its October 8 announcement of commitments valued at $1 billion for US science over five years. CEO Jensen Huang described the initiative as giving scientists access to advanced super intelligence. The announcement covers support for research institutions, quantum computing and cloud providers serving government needs.

Trump's September 29 executive order directs executive agencies to adopt the new terminology where legally permitted. It applies to government communications and documents, without requiring private companies to rename their products. For implementation, the order initially retains the existing statutory definition of artificial intelligence.

The order gives the president's science and technology adviser 60 days to propose legislation defining the replacement terms. Previously issued regulations, contracts and other historical records do not have to be rewritten. The next formal step is therefore a proposed federal definition, alongside the terminology changes already underway.