Governor Newsom Discusses AI Regulations and Rebuilding After Fires

Dec 14, 2025, 8:43 PM

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California Governor Gavin Newsom recently spoke with ABC7 about significant issues affecting the state, including President Donald Trump's executive order on artificial intelligence (AI), ongoing rebuilding efforts after devastating wildfires, and the legal challenges faced by his former Chief of Staff.

During his visit to Pacific Palisades and Altadena, Newsom met with fire victims and those involved in recovery efforts. He reported that as of last week, 2,193 permits had been approved for rebuilding, a notable achievement compared to other disaster recovery efforts. For instance, Maui, which lost approximately 2,200 homes, had only 465 homes permitted two years after its fires, while Paradise, California, managed just 385 permits in a year following its own disaster. Newsom acknowledged that while the numbers reflect progress, individual experiences vary, and he pledged to address ongoing frustrations faced by residents.

In his remarks, Newsom criticized Trump's recent executive order that prohibits states from enforcing their own AI regulations. He stated that California is leading the nation in creating a regulatory framework for AI, referring to SB53, the first AI frontier model regulation signed into law last year. Newsom argued that Trump's approach undermines state rights and could be deemed illegal. "We think it's a huge mistake if he were successful in this effort," he asserted, emphasizing the need for states to have the authority to regulate emerging technologies.

The governor also addressed the legal issues surrounding Dana Williamson, his former Chief of Staff, who is facing federal charges. Williamson has pleaded not guilty to all 23 counts against her. Newsom, who placed Williamson on leave when her investigation began, expressed the importance of allowing independent investigations to unfold without interference. "Let those independent facts flow," he remarked, highlighting the need for due process.

In the context of the rebuilding efforts, Newsom has signed 27 executive orders aimed at expediting recovery processes. He noted that while significant progress has been made, some residents still encounter bureaucratic hurdles. "If I need to sign another 27, I'll do it," he stated, reinforcing his commitment to addressing the challenges faced by those impacted by the fires.

Newsom's comments come at a time when California is grappling with the dual challenges of disaster recovery and navigating the implications of federal policies on state governance. His administration's focus on rebuilding and regulatory authority reflects broader concerns about the role of state governments in managing both technological advancements and natural disaster responses.

As California continues to recover from recent wildfires, the governor's proactive stance on both rebuilding efforts and regulatory frameworks for AI underscores the state's commitment to resilience and innovation in the face of adversity.

In summary, Governor Newsom's interview highlighted critical issues surrounding AI regulation, wildfire recovery, and legal challenges within his administration. His emphasis on state rights and the need for effective rebuilding processes illustrates the complexities of governance in California today.

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