California Governor Gavin Newsom has taken a swipe at US President Donald Trump’s decision to rebrand artificial intelligence as “Super Intelligence”, signing an executive order directing state agencies to continue using the conventional terms “Artificial Intelligence” and “AI”.

Newsom announced the move on September 30, 2026, through a post on X, where he jokingly declared that he had permanently established the traditional name for the technology in California.

The move came a day after Trump signed a federal executive order directing government departments and agencies to replace “Artificial Intelligence” and “AI” with “Super Intelligence” and “SI” in official communications and other non-statutory documents.

Newsom pushes back against federal terminology

In its September 30 announcement, the California governor’s office confirmed that Newsom had signed an executive order requiring agencies and departments under his authority to retain the established terminology.

The directive states that California government agencies should use “Artificial Intelligence” and “AI”, regardless of any alternative terminology adopted by the federal government, except where doing so would conflict with existing law.

Newsom also used the announcement to criticise what he portrayed as an attempt to change the language surrounding AI without adequately addressing the risks associated with the technology.

The governor argued that changing the name would not resolve concerns about AI safety, security and its potential effects on workers and consumers.

Why Trump wants AI renamed

Trump announced his intention to replace the term “Artificial Intelligence” with “Super Intelligence” during his address to the United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 22, 2026.

He argued that the word “artificial” could make the technology sound fake, despite its growing capabilities and influence.

The President subsequently formalised the decision through an executive order signed on September 29, titled Inaugurating the Era of Super Intelligence.

Under the directive, federal executive departments and agencies are expected to use “Super Intelligence” and “SI” in official correspondence, public communications, websites, reports and policy documents.

The order also directs the White House science and technology office to develop proposed language for a federal definition of the new terminology.

A wider debate over AI safety and regulation

The disagreement between the White House and California comes amid growing discussions about how governments should manage the rapid development of artificial intelligence.

Newsom has been pursuing a series of measures aimed at strengthening AI oversight in California, including policies addressing workplace protections, privacy, deepfakes and the safety of advanced AI systems.

On September 30, alongside the terminology order, he also signed new measures intended to protect workers from certain risks associated with AI-powered workplace decisions and surveillance.

Trump’s administration, meanwhile, has emphasised technological development and industry-led safety commitments as part of its approach to the sector.

The difference reflects a broader policy debate over how to balance innovation, economic opportunities, public safety and government oversight.

California and Washington adopt different language

Newsom’s executive order establishes a clear distinction between the terminology used by California agencies and the language prescribed for the federal executive branch.

While Trump’s directive applies to federal agencies, Newsom’s order covers state departments and agencies under his authority. Neither order, by itself, changes the underlying technology.

The development has attracted attention because it turns a technical naming issue into another public disagreement between the California governor and the Trump administration.

Beyond the political exchange, the wider question remains how governments will respond to the opportunities and risks created by increasingly powerful artificial intelligence systems.

Reporting by TalkNaijaMedia