Trump suggests rebranding AI with a new name, says he’s also creating an AI Force

In a series of recent statements, President Donald Trump has outlined a distinctive vision for the future of Artificial Intelligence in the United States, proposing a name change for the technology, announcing the formation of an "AI Force," and dismissing growing concerns about its potential dangers as a political "hoax." These declarations, made primarily through social media, signal a strong commitment to accelerating AI development with minimal regulatory hurdles, positioning it as a critical component of American economic and national security strategy.

Rethinking the Name: "Artificial Intelligence" Under Scrutiny

President Trump has voiced his dissatisfaction with the term "Artificial Intelligence," calling it "inaccurate, and very ineloquent." On Saturday, September 19, 2026, he took to his Truth Social platform and X (formerly Twitter) to poll his followers on alternative names, suggesting "Superior Intelligence (SI)," "Extreme Intelligence (EI)," or "Supreme Intelligence (SI)." Within hours, "Superior Intelligence" reportedly garnered a leading percentage of the votes.

This isn't the first time President Trump has sought to rebrand established terms to shift public perception. His rationale for the AI renaming stems from a belief that the technology is "pure genius" rather than "artificial." This move comes as public opinion on AI is increasingly divided, with many expressing more concern than excitement about its societal impact.

Introducing the "AI Force" and an "AI Czar"

Beyond a name change, President Trump announced plans to establish an "AI Force," drawing a direct comparison to the Space Force, which he created during his first term. This new body is intended to oversee and manage the nation's AI efforts, with Trump stating that he would soon appoint an "AI Czar" to lead it. He emphasized that only "High I.Q. individuals" should apply for the czar role.

While specific details about the structure and jurisdiction of this "AI Force" remain scarce, the comparison to the Space Force suggests it could centralize the military's expansive AI programs under one umbrella, rather than forming a new fighting branch. The creation of an AI Czar position also revives a role that has been vacant for several months, with venture capitalist David Sacks having previously served as Trump's AI and cryptocurrency czar until March 2026.

President Trump's administration has historically focused on accelerating AI innovation, building infrastructure, and leading international AI diplomacy. The proposed "AI Force" and AI Czar align with this broader strategy to secure American AI leadership and ensure the U.S. remains globally competitive, especially against rivals like China.

Dismissing "AI Backlash" as a "Democratic Hoax"

A significant part of President Trump's recent statements involves his dismissal of growing concerns about AI's potential risks. He characterized the "AI backlash," including fears about AI becoming a superintelligence or posing an existential threat, as a "hoax" orchestrated by the "Radical Left Dumocrats." He likened these concerns to other "hoaxes" such as Russian interference in the 2016 election, global warming, and his impeachments.

This stance puts him at odds with a growing chorus of tech leaders, policymakers, and even some Republicans who have called for caution and stronger guardrails around AI development. Figures like Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman have urged a slowdown in frontier AI model development to allow for better regulation and safety measures. However, President Trump has firmly rejected such calls, arguing that any forced pause or deceleration would be "self-sabotage" and hand a strategic advantage to Chinese companies.

According to Trump, the existing criminal and civil justice systems are sufficient to address any "BAD" actors or misuse within the AI industry. He has consistently emphasized that AI will be "the next Industrial Revolution, or Internet," and "even larger and more impactful, possibly as much as 25% of our Country's GDP."

Broader Context of AI in US Politics

The discussion around AI in American politics is dynamic and often polarized. While the Trump administration has consistently advocated for rapid innovation and a market-driven approach, other political figures and organizations have emphasized the need for robust regulation and safety protocols. The White House, under Trump, released an AI Action Plan in July 2025, which focused on accelerating innovation, building AI infrastructure, and leading international diplomacy. This plan also included executive orders aimed at preventing "woke AI" in the federal government and promoting the export of American AI technology.

However, critics have pointed out that while the plan emphasizes federal support for AI research and infrastructure, it lacks concrete implementation plans, clear timelines, designated agency responsibilities, and funding pathways. There have also been concerns about the administration's approach to the National Science Foundation (NSF), which is tasked with significant mandates under the AI Action Plan but has reportedly faced defunding and destabilization.

The ongoing debate highlights a fundamental tension: balancing the desire for technological leadership and economic growth with the imperative to manage potential risks and ethical challenges posed by advanced AI. President Trump's recent statements reinforce his administration's preference for the former, viewing calls for regulation as hindrances to American progress and global competitiveness.

Implications for the AI Industry

President Trump's stance has several implications for the AI industry. His rejection of regulatory slowdowns could be seen as a green light for companies to continue rapid development, potentially fostering a highly competitive and fast-evolving landscape in the U.S. This approach is favored by some tech leaders, such as Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, who align with the view that slowing down AI development would cede ground to international competitors.

The proposed rebranding of AI, while seemingly superficial, could also be an attempt to reshape public perception and alleviate anxieties that might otherwise lead to calls for stricter governmental oversight. By framing AI as "Superior Intelligence" or "Extreme Intelligence," the administration might aim to associate the technology with progress and benefit, rather than potential threats.

The creation of an "AI Force" and an "AI Czar" suggests a more centralized, government-led effort to coordinate and direct national AI strategy, particularly in defense and security applications. This could lead to increased government contracts and partnerships for AI companies, especially those aligned with national security objectives. However, the lack of immediate detail on these initiatives leaves many questions unanswered regarding their practical implementation and impact on the broader AI ecosystem.

Conclusion

President Trump's recent pronouncements regarding AI—from suggesting a name change to proposing an "AI Force" and dismissing safety concerns as a "hoax"—underscore a clear and consistent policy direction: aggressively pursuing American AI dominance through accelerated innovation and minimal regulation. These statements reflect a broader political strategy that prioritizes economic and strategic advantage, even as they diverge sharply from calls for caution and increased oversight from a segment of the AI community and political spectrum. The coming months will likely reveal more details about the "AI Force" and the impact of these policies on the rapidly evolving field of Artificial Intelligence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What new names did President Trump suggest for Artificial Intelligence?

President Trump suggested "Superior Intelligence (SI)," "Extreme Intelligence (EI)," or "Supreme Intelligence (SI)" as more "elegant and accurate" descriptions for the technology, and conducted a public poll to gather preferences.

What is the "AI Force" that President Trump announced?

The "AI Force" is a proposed new initiative, modeled after the Space Force, intended to oversee the nation's AI efforts. President Trump also stated he would appoint an "AI Czar" to lead this force.

Why did President Trump call the AI backlash a "Democratic hoax"?

President Trump dismissed concerns about AI's potential dangers, including fears of superintelligence, as a "hoax" orchestrated by "Radical Left Dumocrats." He argues that such concerns are politically motivated attempts to hinder American AI development, which he believes would benefit competitors like China.

How does President Trump's approach to AI compare to calls for regulation?

President Trump's approach emphasizes rapid innovation and a market-driven development with minimal government regulation. This contrasts with calls from some tech leaders and policymakers who advocate for stricter guardrails and a slowdown in AI development to address safety and ethical concerns.