Donald Trump is attempting to change how the term artificial intelligence is used in political discourse. According to a report by The Verge, the former president has begun applying his characteristic naming strategy to the technology sector, seeking to rebrand the phrase itself. Known for utilizing derogatory monikers and labels against political rivals and media organizations, Trump has now turned his attention toward the vocabulary surrounding emerging technology.
The History of Political Branding
Trump has a well-documented history of defining political opponents and institutions through repeated phrasing. During his initial presidential campaigns, nicknames such as “Little Marco” and “Crooked Hillary” became staples of his public rhetoric. He similarly weaponized the term “fake news,” shifting its original meaning away from fraudulent online content and toward mainstream journalistic outlets broadly. Applying this same linguistic tactic to artificial intelligence represents a novel intersection of political branding and the tech industry.
What Remains Unclear
The announcement did not specify what alternative terminology Trump intends to use as a replacement for artificial intelligence, nor did it outline any concrete policy proposals connected to the linguistic shift. It remains unknown whether major technology companies or lawmakers will adopt or push back against the new framing. Observers will need to watch whether this rhetorical effort gains traction among political allies or simply remains a passing talking point.
As political figures increasingly engage with the tech sector, the language used to describe these systems continues to evolve. Further updates will depend on how the rebranding effort develops in public statements.
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