Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

California Governor Gavin Newsom signed Executive Order N-10-26 on September 30, 2026, directing California state agencies to keep using the term “artificial intelligence.” The order responds to President Donald Trump’s push for “super intelligence,” but it applies to California state-government terminology; it does not rename or redefine the technology.

What Newsom’s order does

The Governor’s Office described the order as “permanently declaring Artificial Intelligence to be called ‘Artificial Intelligence’ in California.” The Associated Press reports that it directs California agencies to use “artificial intelligence,” rather than “super intelligence.” In practical terms, it sets terminology for state agencies; it does not establish a new technical definition or govern how people, businesses, or the federal government must refer to AI. (California Governor’s Office; Associated Press)

Why California acted

The order followed Trump’s September 22 remarks at the United Nations General Assembly. He said he wanted U.S. government documents to use “super intelligence,” arguing that “artificial” made intelligence sound fake. Newsom’s order keeps the established phrase in California state-agency usage as a pointed political response to that proposal. (Associated Press)

Newsom sharpened the contrast in a statement from the Governor’s Office: “Super intelligence is clearly not coming from the White House – that’s why California continues to lead.” That is political rhetoric, not a technical claim about the capabilities of AI. (California Governor’s Office)

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Did the federal government rename AI?

Trump stated a preference for “super intelligence” in U.S. government documents, but the available reporting does not establish that every federal agency adopted the term. The AP reported that the State Department’s Bureau of International Organization Affairs instructed its employees to replace “Artificial Intelligence” with “Super Intelligence” and use “SI” in communications. The report said it was not immediately clear whether other State Department bureaus had followed or would follow that instruction. (Associated Press)

Action Scope established in the reporting Terminology
California Executive Order N-10-26, signed September 30, 2026 California state agencies Continue using “artificial intelligence”
State Department bureau instruction reported by AP Employees in the Bureau of International Organization Affairs; wider adoption was unclear in AP’s report Use “Super Intelligence” and “SI” in communications
Trump’s September 22 remarks at the UN General Assembly Stated plan for U.S. government documents; the remarks alone do not establish adoption across federal agencies “Super intelligence”
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

How this relates to California’s other AI measures

The Governor’s Office announced the terminology order alongside separate worker- and consumer-protection measures concerning AI. The AP reported that those measures include a ban on relying solely on AI to decide to fire a worker and notice requirements when AI is responsible for mass layoffs. Those policies are distinct from Executive Order N-10-26’s naming instruction; they are not provisions of the terminology order. (California Governor’s Office; Associated Press)

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.