Trump rejects global regulation of AI at the UN and renames it superintelligence

US President Donald Trump devoted part of his address to the general debate of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly to artificial intelligence. His main message was his country's total rejection of any attempt to build what he described as a "globalist scheme" to control the technology.

Trump also announced a change in terminology: from now on, official US documents will replace "artificial intelligence" with "superintelligence". He explained that the word "artificial" makes intelligence sound fake, which in his view it is not. He also said he hoped the rest of the world would adopt the new term, while acknowledging that he does not know whether he has the power to make it happen.

The president admitted that every major new technology brings challenges and that with superintelligence "we have to be careful". However, he criticised those who warn that AI could wipe out humanity, comparing them to those who raised the alarm about climate change.

On international competition, Trump argued that whoever wins superintelligence wins, and claimed that the United States is well ahead of China and every other country, a position he intends to maintain. He said he will not stifle the growth of a technology that, according to many, will have a greater impact than the Industrial Revolution or the internet.

On oversight, he said his administration will closely monitor the development of superintelligence through the Department of Justice, which he said has already acted in this area, and through other law enforcement bodies that would step in if necessary. He concluded that the United States will encourage the technology rather than restrict it and will continue to lead it safely and responsibly.

Key points

• Trump rejects any global control of artificial intelligence.
• The US will replace "artificial intelligence" with "superintelligence" in its official documents.
• According to Trump, the word "artificial" makes the technology sound fake.
• He claims the US leads in superintelligence, ahead of China.
• He will not curb its growth and compares it to the Industrial Revolution and the internet.
• The Department of Justice will be in charge of monitoring its development.
• He acknowledges challenges but criticises those who warn of catastrophic risks.