Trump Renames AI to "Super Intelligence" (SI): What Changed and Why .SI Domains Are Trending
On September 29, 2026, President Trump signed an executive order replacing the term “Artificial Intelligence” (“AI”) with “Super Intelligence” (“SI”) in the executive branch. The change applies to federal terminology. It doesn’t redefine the technology, and it doesn’t bind private companies or the wider scientific community.
What did the executive order actually do?
The order directs all executive-branch departments and agencies to use “Super Intelligence” and “SI” in official correspondence, public communications, and policy documents, and to stop using the terms “Artificial Intelligence” and “AI.” There’s one practical limit: previously issued regulations, contracts, and documents don’t need to be altered.
The move didn’t come out of nowhere. Trump first called for the change in remarks at the United Nations General Assembly the week before. He had also run a poll on Truth Social earlier in the month.
Why did Trump want to rename AI?
The order argues that “AI” no longer reflects how far the technology’s capabilities have advanced, and that “SI” better captures its promise. Trump has also said “artificial” is an inelegant word that makes the technology sound fake. foxbusiness, Forbes
What is the White House Accord on Super Intelligence?
The same day, leaders from nearly all the major AI companies signed what Trump called a “morally binding” agreement to maintain internal safeguards. Others described it as a set of voluntary commitments for AI developers. Critics said it lacks enforcement. Sen. Richard Blumenthal called it “worse than ineffectual” at a Senate hearing.
Where does the term "superintelligence" come from?
The term “artificial intelligence” was coined in 1955 by John McCarthy, while philosopher Nick Bostrom defined superintelligence as intellect that surpasses human capabilities. In research circles, “superintelligence” has traditionally meant a hypothetical stage beyond today’s systems, which is why many experts see the rebrand as a stretch. Reaction has been mixed, and some tech leaders have called the proposal misleading.
Is AI technically "SI" now?
No, not in the scientific or technical sense. The change is a US government naming decision and doesn’t alter the technical definition of AI used by the broader scientific and technology communities. Outside the executive branch, “AI” is still the standard term. Note also that “SI” already means the International System of Units in science, so expect some ambiguity in search results. forbesindia
What does this mean for the .SI domain?
The .SI domain is Slovenia’s country-code extension, open to registration worldwide with no local-presence requirement. The “SI = superintelligence” idea predates the order. Domainers were speculating about it as early as 2024, and registration growth jumped after May 2026. The aftermarket picture before the announcement was modest: Recursive.si sold for $20,000 to an AI company called Recursive, and domain investors drove most recorded .SI sales in 2026.
The executive order gives the trend a high-profile boost, but it doesn’t prove lasting demand. Treat it as speculative. This isn’t financial advice.