Gavin Newsom pushes back on Trump AI executive order preempting state laws

https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/dec/13/california-ai-executive-order-trump-gavin-newsom

Gavin Newsom pushes back on Trump AI executive order preempting state laws
California governor says order pushes ‘grift and corruption’ instead of innovation just hours after president’s dictum
Dara Kerr and Nick Robins-Early
Sat 13 Dec 2025 10.00 EST

The ink was barely dry on Donald Trump’s artificial intelligence executive order when Gavin Newsom came out swinging. Just hours after the order went public Thursday evening, the California governor issued a statement saying the presidential dictum, which seeks to block states from regulating AI of their own accord, advances “grift and corruption” instead of innovation.

“President Trump and David Sacks aren’t making policy – they’re running a con,” Newsom said, referencing Trump’s AI adviser and crypto “czar”. “Every day, they push the limits to see how far they can take it.”

Trump’s executive order is a major victory for tech companies that have campaigned against legislative barriers to developing and deploying their AI products. It also sets up a clash between state governments and the White House over the future of AI regulation. The immediate backlash from groups including child safety organizations, unions and state officials has highlighted the deeply contentious nature of the order and diverse range of interests it affects.

Several officials and organizations have already questioned the legality of the executive order, stating that Trump does not have the power to undermine state legislation on AI and denouncing the decree as the result of tech industry lobbying. California, home to some of the world’s most prominent AI companies and one of the most active states legislating AI, has been a locus for pushback against the order.

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