California Governor Gavin Newsom Fires Back on Trump's AI Executive Order Seeking to Overriding Local Regulations.
The ink was barely dry on the President's artificial intelligence executive order when the California governor issued a forceful rebuttal. Shortly following the order went public on Thursday night, Newsom released comments arguing that the presidential dictum, which aims to block local governments from crafting their own AI rules, promotes “grift and corruption” instead of true technological progress.
“President Trump and David Sacks aren’t making policy – they are executing a scheme,” the governor declared, mentioning Trump’s AI adviser. “Every day, they push the limits to see what they can get away with.”
A Major Victory for Tech Industry Creates a Legal Showdown
The presidential directive is viewed as a decisive win for tech firms that have lobbied vigorously to remove regulatory hurdles to creating and launching their AI products. It also establishes a looming clash between local authorities and the federal administration over the future of AI regulation. Swift criticism from groups including children's welfare groups, unions, and state officials has underscored the deeply contentious nature of the order.
Several officials and groups have already questioned the constitutionality of the directive, arguing that Trump lacks the power to override local laws on AI and labeling the decree as the result of intense tech industry lobbying. The state of California, the base for many leading tech firms and one of the most active states on AI policy, has emerged as a central locus for pushback against the order.
“This directive is profoundly flawed, grossly unethical, and will actually hinder progress and erode confidence in the long run,” remarked a lawmaker from California, Sara Jacobs. “We will explore all avenues – from the courts to Congress – to overturn this policy.”
Legislative Loggerheads and Potential Legal Duel
In September, Newsom signed a landmark AI law that would require developers of advanced "frontier" AI systems to disclose safety data and immediately notify authorities of critical failures or risk penalties exceeding $1 million. The governor touted this Transparency in Frontier Artificial Intelligence act as a model for governing the tech sector across the country.
“California's position as a global leader in tech allows us a distinct chance to provide a blueprint for sensible regulations beyond our borders,” Newsom said in an address. “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 legal review panel that would review local regulations deemed not to “enhance the United States’ global AI dominance” and then pursue legal action or threaten to cut government grants. Critics contend that the White House has never provided any comprehensive federal framework to replace the local rules it seeks to block.
“President Trump’s unlawful executive order is simply a blatant attempt to dismantle safeguards and give tech billionaires unchecked power over employment, freedoms and freedoms,” stated AFL-CIO president, Liz Shuler.
Nationwide Backlash Intensifies Across the Spectrum
Shortly after the order was signed, criticism grew among lawmakers, labor leaders, child welfare organizations and civil liberties organizations that decried the policy. State officials argued the executive order was an assault on state rights.
“No place in America knows the promise of AI better than California,” said a U.S. Senator. “But with today’s executive order, the White House is undermining state leadership and fundamental protections in a single stroke.”
In a similar vein, another senator stressed: “Trump is attempting to override state laws that are establishing meaningful safeguards around AI and replace them with … nothing.”
Officials from multiple states also expressed concern over the order. One congressmember labeled it a “disastrous policy” that would “foster a unregulated landscape for AI companies”. Another state legislator called the order a “huge giveaway” for AI firms, adding that “a few powerful executives influenced the President into selling out America’s future”.
Remarkably, even Steve Bannon found fault with the policy, reportedly stating that the AI czar had “completely misled the President on this issue”. The head of an investment firm echoed that “the answer does not lie in overriding local regulations”.
Protecting Children Take Center Stage
Blowback against the order has also included child protection organizations that have long expressed concerns over the impacts of AI on children. This discussion has intensified this year following legal actions against AI companies concerning tragic incidents.
“The tech sector's unchecked pursuit for user attention has already led to loss of life, and, in enacting this policy, the White House has signaled it is content to let it grow,” argued James Steyer. “The public deserves more than tech industry handouts at the expense of their wellbeing.”
A coalition of grieving families and safety groups have also spoken out the order. They have been advocating for new laws to safeguard children from risky online platforms and AI chatbots and released a PSA opposing the federal override.
“Families will not stand idly by and allow our kids to remain lab rats in dangerous corporate trials that puts profits over the wellbeing of children,” declared Sarah Gardner. “We need strong protections at the federal and state level, not immunity for wealthy executives.”
