You’ve probably heard the term "Artificial Intelligence" roughly a million times by now. It’s the buzzword of the century. But if Donald Trump has his way, that specific phrase might be headed for the scrap heap of history.
He really doesn't like the word "artificial."
Honestly, it’s a classic Trump branding move. During the "Winning the AI Race" summit in Washington, D.C.—an event where tech heavyweights like NVIDIA’s Jensen Huang and various "AI Czars" gathered—the President made his feelings pretty clear. He basically thinks the current name sounds fake, weak, and un-American.
"Artificial, I can't stand it," Trump told the crowd. He wasn't just riffing for the sake of a joke, either. He seemed genuinely annoyed that we're using a word that implies something isn't "real" to describe what he considers the greatest technological revolution in human history.
What Trump Wants to Rename AI and Why
So, if not AI, then what? Trump’s suggestion is actually pretty straightforward: Genius Intelligence, or GI.
It’s got that signature flair. To him, the technology driving things like ChatGPT, Gemini, and those massive NVIDIA-powered data centers isn't some "artificial" imitation of human thought. In his view, it’s "pure genius."
The logic here is mostly about semantics and vibe. Trump has spent decades building a brand around "the best" and "the biggest." Calling the centerpiece of his administration's economic plan "artificial" feels like a downgrade to him. It’s like calling a diamond "artificial jewelry."
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But there’s a deeper, more political layer to this name-change talk. It’s not just about a cool-sounding acronym. By rebranding the tech, he’s trying to distance it from the "woke" associations he claims have infected the industry. He wants a version of "GI" that is—in his words—anti-woke and free from "ideological dogmas."
The AI Action Plan: Beyond the Rebrand
While the "Genius Intelligence" bit grabbed all the headlines, the actual policy work happening in the background is massive. On July 23, 2025, Trump signed three executive orders that basically serve as a "Build Baby Build" manifesto for the tech sector.
The goal? Total global dominance.
His AI Action Plan rests on three main pillars:
- Accelerating Innovation: This is basically a giant middle finger to regulation. He wants to roll back Biden-era frameworks that focus on safety and bias. Instead, he’s pushing for a "hands-off" approach that lets companies move as fast as possible.
- Building Infrastructure: AI needs power. A lot of it. Trump’s plan includes fast-tracking permits for data centers and even rolling back some environmental protections to make sure the U.S. has the biggest "supercomputers" on the planet.
- International Diplomacy: He refuses to sign global AI declarations that focus on fear or restriction. He wants to export "American-valued" AI models to allies, turning the tech into a primary U.S. export.
It’s kinda like the 1960s space race, but instead of the moon, the finish line is a world where every major system runs on American-made "Genius Intelligence."
Can He Actually Change the Name?
Here’s the thing: language is hard to control. Even if the federal government starts using "GI" in every memo and executive order, the rest of the world—from researchers in London to developers in Tokyo—is likely going to stick with "AI."
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We've seen this before. Remember when the government tried to make "Freedom Fries" a thing? It didn't exactly stick in the long run.
However, in the world of federal grants and government procurement, names matter. If you’re a startup looking for a slice of federal funding, you’ll probably start calling your product "Genius Intelligence" pretty quickly if that’s what the application requires.
The Friction with State Laws
While Trump is trying to rebrand and deregulate at the federal level, states like California are doing the exact opposite. They’re passing laws to curb deepfakes and ensure algorithmic fairness.
Trump’s response has been aggressive. He’s issued orders attempting to withhold federal funding from states that enact "burdensome" AI regulations. Legal experts, including those at the Brennan Center for Justice, say this is mostly "political theater" because the President can't unilaterally override state laws or change funding terms set by Congress. But it sets up a massive legal showdown for 2026.
What This Means for You
Whether we call it AI or GI, the shift in policy is going to hit the market fast. Here is the "no-nonsense" breakdown of what to expect:
- More Energy Demand: Expect a massive push for new power plants and data centers in rural areas.
- Less Oversight: If you’re worried about AI bias or safety, you won't find much help from the federal government right now. The focus is on speed, not "guardrails."
- A "Woke-Free" Filter: The administration is pushing for models that don't have "liberal bias." This could mean we see two very different versions of the internet: one regulated by states and another promoted by the feds.
Practical Next Steps for Navigating the "GI" Era
If you are a business owner or a tech enthusiast, you can't just ignore the rebranding of the industry. You need to adapt to the new "Genius Intelligence" landscape.
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First, review your federal compliance. If your company deals with government contracts, start aligning your terminology and "ideological neutrality" with the 2025 AI Action Plan. The federal government is clearly prioritizing "unencumbered" innovation.
Second, watch the energy sector. The "Build Baby Build" approach to AI means that companies involved in data center infrastructure and independent power production are going to be the biggest winners of this administration's tech policy.
Lastly, stay diversified. With the federal government and states like California at war over regulations, don't put all your eggs in one "regulatory basket." Build your tech to be flexible enough to handle both the deregulated federal landscape and the stricter state-level rules.
The name might change to "Genius Intelligence," but the race for dominance is only getting faster.
Actionable Insight: Evaluate your current AI implementations for "ideological bias" as defined by the new federal standards if you intend to apply for federal tech grants or R&D credits in 2026.