California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed an executive order directing all state agencies and departments under his authority to refer to the technology exclusively as "Artificial Intelligence" or "AI."

The order explicitly rejects any rebranded terminology adopted by the federal government. It requires continued use of the original terms "notwithstanding any rebranded or different terminology used by the federal government," unless inconsistent with law.

President Donald Trump issued an executive order directing federal agencies to use "Super Intelligence" and "SI" in official communications, documents, and policy materials. Trump argued that the term artificial intelligence makes the technology sound fake and that the new name better reflects its capabilities.

Newsom paired the naming directive with the signing of several bills aimed at worker protections. These measures ban employers from relying on AI for disciplinary or layoff decisions and require companies to provide notices when AI adoption leads to mass layoffs.

In accompanying statements, Newsom described the federal rebrand as a distraction from safety and security risks. He said California leads the nation in AI innovation and has taken the most aggressive steps on safety, security, and consumer privacy.

California hosts many of the country's leading AI companies and research institutions. The state has passed multiple AI-related laws in recent years, including requirements for independent oversight and worker safeguards.

The executive order takes effect immediately for agencies under Newsom's control. It does not apply to private companies or local governments unless they contract with the state.