Democratic candidates rush to address AI risks as Trump dismisses concerns
Potential Democratic presidential candidates are rushing to address artificial intelligence risks, while former President Donald Trump dismisses the warnings. California Governor Gavin Newsom signed an executive order Friday to accelerate AI oversight, saying Washington must act. Newsom's order implements a state law requiring independent oversight and "kill switches" for AI systems. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro also outlined local AI safeguards, conceding states have limits. Democratic senators Jon Ossoff and Mark Kelly are proposing federal legislation, citing threats like bioterrorism and job losses. Polling shows Democrats are more alarmed about AI than Republicans, with 7 in 10 adults expecting job losses. The issue is less prominent in local races, though some candidates in Michigan and New York have called for slowdowns or bans on AI data centers.