Archive · 7 Oct 2026
Justice Department Told to Use ‘Super Intelligence’ Instead of AI
The Justice Department has told its workers to use the words “super intelligence” instead of “artificial intelligence” in many official documents and communications.
They can also use the letters “SI.”
The instruction came in a memo from acting Deputy Attorney General Trent McCotter.
It may apply to court papers when appropriate.
Workers must follow the change as far as the law allows.
The order follows an executive order President Donald Trump issued last week.
Trump said the new words better describe the technology’s potential.
The Justice Department directed employees to use “super intelligence” and “SI” instead of “artificial intelligence” in most circumstances.
The directive was issued Tuesday in a memo from acting Deputy Attorney General Trent McCotter.
The change applies to public communications, policy documents and other official records, and may extend to court filings when appropriate.
The memo says employees should make the switch to the maximum extent permitted by law.
The directive follows President Donald Trump’s executive order last week; Trump said the new wording better reflects the technology’s potential.
- Who
- The U.S. Justice Department and its employees; the memo was issued by acting Deputy Attorney General Trent McCotter.
- What
- Employees were directed to use “super intelligence” and “SI” instead of “artificial intelligence” in most official contexts.
- When
- The directive was issued Tuesday, following an executive order the previous week.
- Where
- Within the U.S. Justice Department, including public communications, official records and, when appropriate, court filings.
- Why
- President Donald Trump said the wording better reflects the technology’s potential.
- Issuing agency
- U.S. Justice Department
- Memo author
- Acting Deputy Attorney General Trent McCotter
- Preferred term
- “Super intelligence”
- Abbreviation
- SI
- Scope
- Public communications, policy documents and other official records; court filings when appropriate
- Legal qualification
- Use the terminology to the maximum extent permitted by law
- Preceding action
- President Donald Trump issued an executive order the previous week