Who Is Falling in Line for Trump's 'Super Intelligence' Loyalty Test
One month into the attempted rebrand of 'AI,' the term is not catching on. But it's sure to muddy our national conversation about AI anyway.
By James O'Donnell | November 2, 2026
!Photo-illustration of Donald Trump holding a sharpie, with ink trailing back to an asterisk.
Stephanie Arnett/MIT Technology Review
The Rebrand That Isn't Catching On
A month after the Trump administration began pushing the term "Super Intelligence" as a replacement for "AI," the new label has yet to gain traction. Despite the lack of organic adoption, the phrase is already complicating national discourse around artificial intelligence—and raising questions about who is willing to align with the administration's preferred vocabulary.
A Loyalty Test in Plain Sight
The shift in terminology functions less as a technical clarification and more as a political loyalty test. Companies, policymakers, and public figures are being watched for whether they adopt the administration's preferred phrasing. Some have fallen in line; others have conspicuously not.
Why the Term Matters
While "Super Intelligence" may not be catching on in everyday usage, its introduction into official rhetoric risks muddying the broader conversation about AI—its capabilities, risks, and regulation. As 2026 unfolds, the stakes around AI policy continue to rise, and the language used to describe the technology may shape public perception and regulatory approaches for years to come.
This article is developing. Check back for updates on who is adopting the term and what it means for AI policy.