Governor criticizes Trump for not advancing federal AI regulation
California Governor Gavin Newsom on Wednesday signed three AI-related worker-protection laws, the centerpiece of an hour-long bill-signing event where he also pressed President Donald Trump for failing to advance federal regulation of the technology.
The new laws bar employers from using AI to predict workers’ emotional states from biometric data, require written notice when AI is responsible for mass layoffs, and prohibit employers from relying on AI alone to decide to fire someone. Newsom framed the measures as a response to a moment when AI is reshaping labor conditions. “AI should expand opportunity – not come at the expense of workers and families,” he said in a statement. “As this technology reshapes the workplace, California is putting people at the center.”
The governor used the larger event to sharply criticize Trump for not passing comprehensive federal AI regulations at a time when industry leaders are warning about the technology’s risks. Trump said Tuesday that top tech leaders signed a voluntary accord to “self-police” AI development. “We have to do a lot more in the absence of federal leadership,” Newsom said, leaving open the possibility of calling lawmakers back for a special session to address AI oversight.
The signing came on Newsom’s final scheduled day to act on legislation before his term ends in January. The governor opened the event by signing a separate law creating a tax credit program aimed at helping local news organizations — newspapers, digital outlets and television stations — hire and retain journalists. Newsom used that moment to criticize what he described as Trump’s “assault on a free press,” pointing to the president’s decision to bar certain news organizations from the White House.
Newsom’s office has taken additional AI-related actions earlier this month. He signed a law requiring operators of AI chatbots to perform risk assessments before rolling them out, and signed an executive order directing the state to consult with experts on further oversight of the industry. He also issued an executive order Wednesday requiring California state agencies to continue to refer to the technology as “artificial intelligence” rather than “super intelligence,” a term Trump recently directed U.S. diplomats to use.
The bill-signing appearance covered other political topics as well. Asked about the midterm contests that will determine control of Congress, Newsom framed the stakes in 2028 terms. “There will not be a free and fair election in 2028 unless we take back the House of Representatives,” he said.
Pressed on whether he had set a deadline for himself to decide whether to seek the presidency in 2028, Newsom hedged: “That moment will arrive when it arrives.” Former Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris, who like Newsom is from the San Francisco Bay Area, has also said she is considering a 2028 run. Newsom told CNN recently that he would not run if Harris entered the race. He said the two have not spoken since that interview aired.
Newsom also weighed in on a November ballot measure that would temporarily raise taxes on billionaires, a proposal he has consistently opposed. He said he respects supporters of the measure, including Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, who argue for stronger action on income inequality. “He’s spot on about the balance between the rich and the poor,” Newsom said. “On this issue, we fundamentally disagree.”
His remarks came hours before a scheduled gubernatorial debate between Democrat Xavier Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton. Asked whether he planned to watch, Newsom said no.