Trump Targets Everyone Using the Phrase Artificial Intelligence in Federal Documents

A proposed change in terminology

Trump said on Truth Social that the government would soon prohibit “AI” and “artificial intelligence” in relevant documents. He argued that the terms are inaccurate and has promoted “super intelligence” as an alternative.

In an executive order issued in late September, Trump said federal terminology should convey the technology’s capabilities and the opportunities it could create for Americans. The article does not specify how the promised ban would be carried out.

A familiar term faces resistance

Artificial intelligence has become widely known as the technology appears in everyday activities, including using chatbots for meal ideas or help writing messages. That broad use may make a change in terminology difficult to establish. Earlier this month, Trump wrote that the White House regarded people who chose “artificial intelligence” rather than “super intelligence” as “THE ENEMY!” The article gives no further explanation of that statement.

The term and safety concerns

The phrase “artificial intelligence” dates to 1955. Stanford University emeritus professor John McCarthy coined it and described the field as the science and engineering of making intelligent machines.

Trump’s effort to replace the term comes as some experts warn about possible dangers from the technology. Jacob Coxon, a former Anthropic employee, said during his resignation last month that AI builders believe it could kill humanity before the decade ends.