California Governor Gavin Newsom Responds on Trump's AI Executive Order Aimed at Blocking Local Regulations.

The signature was still fresh on Donald Trump's sweeping AI policy directive when the California governor came out swinging. Just hours after the decree was released on Thursday night, Newsom issued a statement stating that the presidential dictum, which seeks to prevent states from regulating AI, advances “grift and corruption” rather than true technological progress.

“President Trump and David Sacks are not crafting legislation – they’re running a con,” the governor stated, mentioning the President's technology czar. “Day after day, they test boundaries to see how far they can take it.”

A Major Victory for Tech Industry Sets Up a Federal-State Clash

The presidential directive is seen as a decisive win for technology companies that have lobbied vigorously against legislative barriers to developing and deploying their artificial intelligence systems. Furthermore, it sets up a potential conflict between local authorities and the federal administration over the future of AI regulation. The immediate backlash from groups including children's welfare groups, labor unions, and elected leaders has underscored the deeply contentious nature of the order.

Several officials and organizations have already questioned the legality of the directive, stating that Trump lacks the power to override local laws on AI and labeling the order as the result of intense tech industry lobbying. California, home to many prominent AI companies and one of the most active states on AI policy, has become a primary hub for pushback against the order.

“This directive is profoundly flawed, grossly unethical, and will actually hinder innovation and erode confidence in the long run,” said California Democratic representative, Sara Jacobs. “We will explore all avenues – from the courts to Congress – to overturn this policy.”

Legislative Loggerheads and Imminent Court Battle

Earlier this year, Newsom signed a pioneering artificial intelligence act that would require developers of advanced "frontier" AI systems to disclose safety data and immediately notify authorities of critical failures or face fines up to $1 million. The governor touted this legislation as a blueprint for regulating AI companies across the country.

“California's position as a worldwide innovator in technology provides a unique opportunity to provide a blueprint for sensible regulations for the entire nation,” the governor stated in an speech. “This is particularly vital given the lack of a comprehensive federal AI policy.”

This September bill and additional pending regulations could now be targeted by the administration. Thursday’s executive order calls for an AI litigation taskforce that would scrutinize local regulations deemed not to “bolster the United States’ competitive edge” and then initiate lawsuits 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 preempt.

“President Trump’s unlawful executive order is nothing more than a brazen effort to dismantle safeguards and give tech billionaires absolute authority over working people’s jobs, rights and freedoms,” said AFL-CIO president, Liz Shuler.

Broad Opposition Intensifies From Multiple Quarters

Within hours the directive was enacted, opposition loudened among lawmakers, union heads, child welfare organizations and civil liberties organizations that condemned the policy. State officials said the executive order was an attack against local autonomy.

“No state knows the promise of AI better than California,” said a U.S. Senator. “But with today’s executive order, the administration is attacking state leadership and basic safeguards in one fell swoop.”

Similarly, Adam Schiff stressed: “The President is attempting to override state laws that are creating vital protections around AI and replace them with … nothing.”

Lawmakers from Colorado to Virginia to New York also expressed concern over the order. A Virginia representative labeled it a “terrible idea” that would “foster a lawless Wild West environment for AI companies”. A New York assemblymember called the order a “massive windfall” for AI firms, stating that “a handful of AI oligarchs bribed Donald Trump into compromising America’s future”.

Even Steve Bannon criticized the policy, saying in a message that the President's adviser had “given poor counsel to the President on this issue”. The head of an investment firm echoed that “the answer does not lie in preempting state and local laws”.

Protecting Children Take Center Stage

Blowback against the order has also included child protection organizations that have long expressed concerns over the effects of AI on minors. This discussion has intensified this year following legal actions against AI companies concerning tragic incidents.

“The tech sector's unchecked pursuit for engagement already has a body count, and, in issuing this order, the White House has made clear it is willing to allow it to continue,” argued James Steyer. “Americans deserve better than corporate favors at the cost of their safety.”

A group of grieving families and safety groups have also spoken out the order. They have been advocating for new laws to safeguard children from harmful social media and AI chatbots and released a PSA opposing the AI preemption policy.

“Families will not stand idly by and allow our children to remain lab rats in dangerous corporate trials that prioritizes revenue over the safety of our kids,” said Sarah Gardner. “We need strong protections at the federal and state level, not immunity for wealthy executives.”