California Governor Gavin Newsom Fires Back on Trump's Artificial Intelligence Decree Seeking to Preempting Local Regulations.
The signature was still fresh on the President's sweeping AI policy directive when Gavin Newsom came out swinging. Shortly following the order went public on Thursday night, the governor released comments stating that the White House order, which aims to block local governments from regulating AI, advances “grift and corruption” rather than true technological progress.
“The administration and its adviser aren’t making policy – they’re running a con,” the governor declared, referencing the President's technology czar. “Day after day, they test boundaries to see how far they can take it.”
A Significant Win for Tech Industry Creates a Legal Showdown
Trump’s executive order is seen as a decisive win for technology companies that have lobbied vigorously to remove regulatory hurdles to creating and launching their AI products. Furthermore, it sets up a potential conflict between local authorities and the federal administration over the direction of artificial intelligence governance. Swift criticism from organizations such as children's welfare groups, labor unions, and state officials has underscored the deeply contentious nature of the order.
Several officials and groups have already questioned the constitutionality of the executive order, stating that Trump does not have the authority to undermine local laws on AI and labeling the decree as the product of intense tech industry lobbying. The state of California, home to many prominent AI companies and one of the most active states on AI policy, has emerged as a primary hub for resistance against the order.
“This directive is profoundly flawed, grossly unethical, and will actually hinder progress and erode confidence in the long run,” remarked California Democratic representative, Sara Jacobs. “We are examining every option – from the courts to Congress – to overturn this policy.”
Legislative Loggerheads and Imminent Court Battle
In September, Newsom enacted a landmark AI law that would require developers of large, powerful AI models to provide transparency reports and immediately notify authorities of safety incidents or face fines exceeding $1 million. Newsom championed this legislation as a blueprint for governing the tech sector nationwide.
“California's position as a worldwide innovator in technology allows us a distinct chance to establish a framework for sensible regulations for the entire nation,” the governor said in an speech. “Especially in the absence of a national regulatory framework.”
This September bill and other California legislation could now be in Trump’s crosshairs. The new federal directive establishes an AI litigation taskforce that would scrutinize state laws deemed not to “enhance the United States’ global AI dominance” and then pursue legal action or threaten to cut government grants. Opponents contend that the White House has failed to deliver any comprehensive federal framework to replace the local rules it seeks to preempt.
“This unconstitutional directive is simply a blatant attempt to upend AI safety and grant powerful executives unchecked power over employment, freedoms and livelihoods,” said AFL-CIO president, one critic.
Nationwide Backlash Erupts From Multiple Quarters
Shortly after the order was signed, opposition loudened among elected officials, union heads, children’s advocacy groups and rights groups that condemned the policy. State officials argued the executive order was an attack against state rights.
“No place in America knows the promise of AI better than California,” said a U.S. Senator. “However, this new policy, the White House is attacking local initiative and basic safeguards in a single stroke.”
In a similar vein, another senator emphasized: “Trump is seeking to preempt state laws that are creating vital protections around AI and replace them with … a void.”
Lawmakers from multiple states also expressed concern over the order. A Virginia representative labeled it a “terrible idea” that would “create a unregulated landscape for AI companies”. Another state legislator described the directive a “massive windfall” for AI firms, stating that “a handful of AI oligarchs influenced Donald Trump into selling out America’s future”.
Even Steve Bannon found fault with the policy, saying in a message that the President's adviser had “given poor counsel to the President on this issue”. A philanthropic tech investor similarly said that “the solution is not overriding local regulations”.
Protecting Children Take Center Stage
Blowback against the order has also included child protection organizations that have repeatedly warned over the impacts of AI on minors. This discussion has grown more urgent following multiple lawsuits against AI companies related to harm to children.
“The AI industry’s relentless race for engagement has already led to loss of life, and, in issuing this order, the White House has signaled it is content to let it grow,” said the head of a child advocacy group. “Americans deserve better than tech industry handouts at the expense of their safety.”
A coalition of grieving families and safety groups have also spoken out the order. They have been working to pass legislation to safeguard children from risky online platforms and AI chatbots and released a national public service announcement condemning the AI preemption policy.
“Families will not stand idly by and allow our kids to remain test subjects in big tech’s deadly AI experiment that puts profits over the wellbeing of children,” declared Sarah Gardner. “We need robust safeguards at the national and local level, not amnesty for big tech billionaires.”