On September 20, Trump posted: “Many people feel that the term ‘Artificial Intelligence’ is not quite fitting and sounds awkward when used to describe AI itself. For a more refined and precise designation of this emerging phenomenon, alternatives could be: Superior Intelligence (SI), Extreme Intelligence (EI), or Supreme Intelligence (SI). A poll is now underway—please participate! Which name best captures this ongoing ‘revolution’?”
Commentary: Trump has long exhibited a penchant for rebranding and spectacle-driven initiatives. In past instances, he has attempted to rename lakes, bays, buildings, and even government agencies—numerous renaming efforts in succession. For Trump, such changes often extend beyond mere lexical adjustments; they serve as low-cost political tools. By altering names, he generates media attention, quickly captures public focus, and signals to supporters that he is actively shaping the agenda.
His critique of the current term “artificial intelligence” on social media, followed by proposing alternative designations and launching an online vote, appears at first glance like a lighthearted naming exercise. Yet beneath the surface lies a clear strategic intent in political communication. Rather than engaging with the technical underpinnings of AI, he begins with conceptual framing, using accessible, participatory mechanisms such as voting to transform a complex technological issue into a public discourse event. As artificial intelligence emerges as a pivotal frontier in global technological competition, Trump’s move to retitle the concept serves as a calculated effort to assert visibility. It conveys a message that his administration will take AI seriously, positioning him as aligned with the next wave of technological transformation, thereby reinforcing his appeal among voters.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1876793831981066/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.