The US Justice Department has ordered staff to call artificial intelligence “super intelligence” in official communications. The directive covers Washington-based operations and court filings when appropriate.
Acting Deputy Attorney General Trent McCotter issued the memo on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, following Trump's September order. The policy requires ‘super intelligence’ and ‘SI’ instead of AI whenever federal law permits.
The Justice Department will apply the terminology across public statements, policy documents, records and other communications. The memo also says the change can extend to court filings when appropriate.
Trump signed Executive Order 14434 on September 29, directing federal agencies to adopt ‘Super Intelligence’ and ‘SI.’ The order says the terms should replace ‘Artificial Intelligence’ and ‘AI’ across executive branch materials.
The White House says the wording reflects the expanding capabilities of advanced technology developed by American companies. The order also gives federal officials 60 days to propose a formal definition.
That definition could eventually change how federal laws refer to the technology across government agencies. The order currently treats ‘Super Intelligence’ as covering technologies already included under federal AI law.
The terminology shift comes as public concern around artificial intelligence continues to grow after several hacking incidents. Safety questions have also increased pressure on governments to address risks linked with advanced systems.
Trump has opposed broader technology regulations while leaving room for Justice Department action when officials identify serious risks. The administration has instead placed stronger emphasis on technological capability and American leadership.
The DOJ directive gives the federal terminology change a practical test inside one of Washington's largest legal institutions. Its use in court documents could also bring the unusual wording into legal proceedings.
The broader policy does not require agencies to rewrite existing regulations, contracts, grants or historical documents. Federal departments will instead apply the new language mainly across future official materials.
The move could make ‘super intelligence’ increasingly familiar across government communication and federal policy discussions. However, the terminology remains primarily a federal government requirement rather than an industry-wide language change.
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