The Wall Street Journal's opinion page on June 18, 2026 published a column by editorial board member Barton Swaim titled "Please, No More New Deals," rejecting large-scale government intervention justified by AI-driven economic disruption and urging politicians to try "doing nothing."
May 21, 2026 · California Executive Order N-6-26
Should Government Prepare for AI Job Losses — Or "Do Nothing"?
Governor Newsom signs a "first-of-its-kind" order directing state agencies to ready workers and small businesses for AI disruption. A WSJ opinion fires back: the crisis "hasn't happened yet."
33/50
of the world's top 50 AI companies are based in California
180 days
to propose a review of the WARN Act on mass-layoff notice
Oct 15
2026 — first deadline-bound agency reporting due
Two Views on the Same Question
Intervene early — or wait until the disruption is real?
Newsom — Executive Order
AI crisis: preparation needed nowRole of government: proactive worker protectionModel cited: FDR's social contract
WSJ Opinion — Swaim
AI crisis: "hasn't happened yet"Role of government: do nothingWarning cited: failures like the Green New Deal
What the Order Directs Agencies To Do
Collect data & build early-warning dashboards
→
Review WARN Act & worker-support measures
→
Expand job training & transition support
Measures examined include severance and equity compensation, unemployment insurance, employee-owned structures, and universal basic capital. Legal force is limited to policy review and recommendations — no immediate private-sector obligations arise for now.
The Stakes
An "AI New Deal" framework — or a pretext for expanding government before any crisis arrives?
Labor groups and the governor's camp welcome a proactive, debate-driven approach. Employer-side analysts urge watching for WARN Act amendments and future legislation — as the intervention debate gets entangled with the road to 2028.
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