Gavin Newsom Responds on President Trump's AI Executive Order Aimed at Blocking Local Regulations.
The ink was barely dry on the President's artificial intelligence executive order when the California governor came out swinging. Just hours after the order went public on Thursday night, the governor issued a statement stating that the presidential dictum, which aims to block local governments from crafting their own AI rules, advances “grift and corruption” instead of true technological progress.
“The administration and its adviser are not crafting legislation – they are executing a scheme,” the governor stated, referencing Trump’s AI adviser. “Day after day, they push the limits to see what they can get away with.”
A Major Victory for Silicon Valley Sets Up a Federal-State Clash
Trump’s executive order is viewed as a decisive win for technology companies that have lobbied vigorously against legislative barriers to creating and launching their AI products. It also sets up a potential conflict between state governments and the federal administration over the future of AI regulation. Swift criticism from organizations such as child safety advocates, labor unions, and elected leaders has highlighted the deeply contentious nature of the order.
A number of leaders and groups have already questioned the legality of the executive order, stating that Trump does not have the authority to override state legislation on AI and denouncing the decree as the product of powerful corporate influence. The state of California, the base for many leading tech firms and one of the most prolific legislators on AI policy, has become a central locus for pushback against the order.
“This executive order is deeply misguided, wildly corrupt, and will ultimately stifle progress and erode confidence in the long run,” said California Democratic representative, Sara Jacobs. “We are examining all avenues – including legal and legislative action – to reverse this decision.”
A Policy Standoff and Potential Legal Duel
Earlier this year, Governor Newsom enacted a landmark AI law that would compel developers of large, powerful AI models to disclose safety data and immediately notify authorities of safety incidents or risk penalties exceeding $1 million. Newsom touted this legislation as a blueprint for governing the tech sector nationwide.
“Our state’s status as a global leader in tech provides a unique opportunity to provide a blueprint for well-balanced AI policies for the entire nation,” Newsom stated in an address. “This is particularly vital given the lack of a national regulatory framework.”
This September bill and additional pending regulations could now be in Trump’s crosshairs. Thursday’s executive order establishes an legal review panel that would scrutinize local regulations deemed not to “enhance the United States’ competitive edge” and then pursue legal action or potentially withhold government grants. Critics argue that the White House has never provided any cohesive national plan to replace the local rules it seeks to preempt.
“President Trump’s unlawful executive order is nothing more than a blatant attempt to dismantle safeguards and grant powerful executives absolute authority over working people’s jobs, rights and livelihoods,” stated AFL-CIO president, one critic.
Broad Opposition Intensifies From Multiple Quarters
Shortly after the order was signed, criticism grew among lawmakers, labor leaders, children’s advocacy groups and rights groups that condemned the policy. Other California Democratic leaders said the action was an assault on local autonomy.
“No state understands the potential of AI better than California,” noted Alex Padilla. “But with today’s executive order, the White House is undermining local initiative and fundamental protections in one fell swoop.”
Similarly, Adam Schiff stressed: “The President is seeking to preempt state laws that are creating vital protections around AI and replace them with … nothing.”
Officials from Colorado to Virginia to New York also expressed concern over the order. One congressmember labeled it a “disastrous policy” that would “create a unregulated landscape for AI companies”. A New York assemblymember described the directive a “huge giveaway” for AI firms, adding that “a handful of AI oligarchs influenced Donald Trump into compromising America’s future”.
Remarkably, even Steve Bannon criticized the policy, reportedly stating that the President's adviser had “completely misled the President on this issue”. The head of an investment firm similarly said that “the answer does not lie in preempting state and local laws”.
Child Safety Concerns Become a Focal Point
Blowback against the order has extended to groups focused on kids' safety that have long expressed concerns over the impacts of AI on children. The debate has intensified this year following legal actions against AI companies concerning harm to children.
“The AI industry’s relentless race for engagement has already led to loss of life, and, in enacting this policy, the administration has made clear it is content to let it grow,” argued the head of a child advocacy group. “The public deserves more than corporate favors at the cost of their safety.”
A group of bereaved parents and safety groups have also spoken out the order. They have been working to pass legislation to better protect children from harmful social media and AI chatbots and issued a national public service announcement opposing the AI preemption policy.
“Parents will not roll over and allow our children to remain test subjects in dangerous corporate trials that puts profits over the safety of our kids,” declared Sarah Gardner. “It is essential to have strong protections at the national and local level, not amnesty for big tech billionaires.”
