Newsom Takes Trump’s Bait, Orders California Agencies to Keep Saying ‘Artificial Intelligence’

Adriana Stone 0 2 min read

Newsom Takes Trump’s Bait, Orders California Agencies to Keep Saying ‘Artificial Intelligence’

California Gov. Gavin Newsom has directed state agencies under his authority not to follow President Donald Trump’s terminology shift on advanced technology.

Newsom signed an executive order requiring California agencies and departments under his authority to keep using “Artificial Intelligence,” “AI,” or “Artificial Intelligence (AI)” in official communications. The order applies even if the federal government uses different language.

Newsom announced the move on X: “I just signed an executive order permanently declaring Artificial Intelligence ‘Artificial Intelligence’ in California. You’re welcome, America,” he wrote.

The announcement came after Trump ordered the federal government to begin referring to the technology as “Super Intelligence.” Newsom’s order is a direct rejection of that federal terminology for California state agencies.

Newsom’s office also used the announcement to take a shot at the president. “Super intelligence is clearly not coming from the White House — that’s why California continues to lead,” Newsom said.

Trump signed his own executive order on Monday, declaring the beginning of what his administration calls the “Era of Super Intelligence.” That order directs federal agencies to use “Super Intelligence” and “SI” instead of “Artificial Intelligence” and “AI” in official communications and other non-statutory documents.

Trump’s order argues that the technology has advanced far beyond what the original term described. “The extraordinary technologies being pioneered by American innovators far exceed what was envisioned when the term ‘Artificial Intelligence’ first came into use,” Trump’s order states.

It continues, “As these capabilities continue to improve, they increasingly represent not merely artificial intelligence, but a new era of Super Intelligence.”

The White House says the new wording better reflects the capabilities and potential of rapidly developing AI systems. The administration argues that “Super Intelligence” describes technology that can “unlock new forms of human creativity,” rather than merely imitate human intelligence.

Newsom also used the announcement to promote a set of California AI regulations covering employment, workplace surveillance, deepfakes, and other uses of the technology.

“AI should expand opportunity — not come at the expense of workers and families,” Newsom said. “As this technology reshapes the workplace, California is putting people at the center, ensuring we all have a voice in the decisions shaping their future.”

The Democratic governor also criticized Trump’s broader approach to AI regulation, pointing to what he described as an “absence of federal leadership.”

But the limits of Trump’s order are clear. It applies to the federal executive branch. It does not require states or private companies to adopt the “Super Intelligence” terminology.

That means California is free to establish its own language for state agencies, while federal agencies use the terminology directed by Trump. The immediate fight is over more than word choice, though. Both leaders are using the issue to draw a sharp contrast between their approaches to rapidly advancing technology.

Trump’s administration wants “Super Intelligence” to signal that these systems have moved beyond the older concept of artificial intelligence. Newsom, meanwhile, is choosing to keep the familiar term and connect his California policies to workers, families, workplace rules, and government oversight.

The result is two competing labels from two competing governments. Federal agencies will use “Super Intelligence” and “SI.” California agencies under Newsom will continue using “Artificial Intelligence,” “AI,” or “Artificial Intelligence (AI).”

Source: https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2026/10/gavin-newsom-takes-bait-signs-order-declaring-california/

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