Gavin Newsom loved AI, then discovered he hated it

Gavin Newsom has decided he’s skeptical of AI.It’s the exact opposite of the stance he took just one year ago.In October 2025, Newsom vetoed a bill that would require data centers to report their anticipated and past water use when applying for, and renewing their business licenses.Newsom wanted to boost California as a center of AI innovation and growth.

So he didn’t want to restrict the industry.The biggest news, opinion and culture shaping California right now.

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Never miss a story As he put it in a statement justifying his veto:“The widespread adoption of artificial intelligence technologies is driving an unprecedented demand for data center capacity throughout the nation.As the global epicenter of the technology sector, California is well positioned to support the development of this critically important digital infrastructure in the state.” “I am reluctant to impose rigid reporting requirements,” he added.But now, Newsom is signing bills to control AI and data centers — including a bill that requires data centers to provide information about their water use. In other words, a complete flip-flop. Instead of boosting AI as a driver of California’s economy, Newsom is telling the world that AI needs to be controlled.The governor says he’s “taking action” on  AI to address “the very real concerns that impact all of our futures.”What changed, in less than a year?Nothing — except politics.Democrats decided to adopt an anti-AI message heading into the midterms.They are amplifying public anxiety about the long-shot risks of AI, and the water and energy use of data centers.But Newsom has a record he has to bury.

And so he is desperate to look like he’s trying to stop what he once cheered.He is issuing executive orders to develop a “kill switch” and appointing a committee to come...