California Gov. Gavin Newsom is facing intense criticism after remarks some are calling racially tone-deaf during a stop in Atlanta to promote his memoir, Young Man in a Hurry.
Speaking Sunday at the Rialto Center for the Arts, Newsom appeared to attempt to connect with the audience by referencing his own academic performance. Interviewed by Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, the Democrat told the crowd he was not trying to impress anyone but instead wanted to show he was relatable.
“I’m not, you know, I’m not trying to impress you. I’m just trying to impress upon you, I’m like you. I’m no better than you,” Newsom said. “I’m a 960 SAT guy. And you know, I’m not trying to offend anyone [and] act ‘all there’ if you got 940. But literally a 960 SAT guy.”
Newsom added that the public has “never seen me read a speech, because I cannot read a speech” due to dyslexia.
The comments quickly went viral on X late Sunday and into Monday morning. The “End Wokeness” account appears to have been the first to share the clip, which amassed nearly 33 million views by noon Monday.
Critics across media and politics wasted no time weighing in, with many arguing that Newsom’s remarks reflected what they described as condescension and the “soft bigotry of low expectations.”
Fox News host Sean Hannity blasted the governor’s comments, posting: “Newsom Thinks a 960 SAT Makes Him ‘Like’ Black Americans. Let That Sink In.”
Megyn Kelly warned that the remarks would “haunt him forever.”
Florida Sen. Rick Scott was even more direct, writing that Newsom “just called black kids stupid. Voter ID isn’t racist. But Newsom sure is.”
Nicki Minaj, whom President Donald Trump has publicly praised in the past, delivered a fiery response on social media. She accused Newsom of not only implying that Black voters are less intelligent, but also of speaking more slowly as if addressing children. “He’s not just TELLING them that they’re all probably stupid & probably can’t read,” she wrote. “He’s LITERALLY SLOW-ING-DOWN-HIS-SPEECH to make them understand the words that are coming out of his mouth!!!! As if they’re children!!!! That means he REALLY BELIEVES they’re slow. He’s not just saying it—he didn’t misspeak!!!! He BELIEVES it!!!!”
Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, said the governor’s remarks exposed “the soft bigotry of low expectations,” a phrase long used to criticize what some view as patronizing political rhetoric toward minority communities.
Outkick founder Clay Travis questioned whether any Democrats eyeing a potential 2028 presidential bid would publicly challenge Newsom over what he called a “moronic” statement.
Others on social media echoed similar concerns, labeling the comments racist and dismissive.
Newsom is scheduled to continue his book tour with a stop in Rock Hill, South Carolina, on Monday night. As the controversy continues to unfold, critics say the episode raises broader questions about how national Democrats attempt to connect with voters — and whether such efforts sometimes backfire in spectacular fashion.
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