Newsom rejects ‘MAGA-generated outrage’ and allegations of racism at book tour
Gov. Gavin Newsom on Monday lashed out at “MAGA’s fake outrage” over his comments about his low SAT score in Atlanta on Sunday during his national book tour.
Conservative commentators, Trump loyalists and right-wing media accused the California governor and potential 2028 presidential candidate of disparaging black Americans while discussing his struggle with dyslexia.
“MAGA first made fun of his dyslexia and now they’re calling him racist for talking about his low SAT scores,” said Izzy Gardon, Newsom’s spokesperson, in a statement. “The governor has been saying this publicly for years – including no [the late conservative commentator] Charlie Kirk and many other audiences.”
During an interview with Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, who is a black politician, Newsom was asked what he wanted the audience and readers to know about him. The governor, in a long reply, said that he was not trying to please anyone, but “press on you as you are.”
“I’m no better than you,” Newsom said. “I’m a 960 SAT guy.”
The governor went on to discuss his dyslexia and learning difficulties.
People who play on the right are on board.
President Trump’s political performance accused Newsom of calling “black people dumb.” Former Fox News anchor Megyn Kelly declared that his comments would “haunt her forever,” and Republican senators Tim Scott of South Carolina and Rick Scott of Florida criticized the governor. Rapper Nicki Minaj, who is a fan of Trump, also criticized him.
“@GavinNewsom Thinks 960 SAT Makes Him ‘Love’ Black Americans. Let That Go,” Fox News commentator Sean Hannity said on social media X.
Newsom gave a profanity-laced response to Hannity, accusing him of ignoring President Trump’s racist comments and social media posts for too long, and then expressed anger at Newsom’s comments.
“You didn’t say anything about the President of the United States of America posting a monkey video of President Obama or calling African countries shitholes – but you’re going to call me racist for talking about my lifelong struggle with dyslexia?” Newsom posted on X. “Spare me your fake anger, Sean.”
Gardon pointed out that Newsom was speaking to a mixed-race audience when Dickens was interviewed.
Dickens also dismissed allegations that Newsom is racist.
“Take it from someone sitting in a chair asking questions: the context is more important than the title,” Dickens said on Instagram. “The interview about his new book involved him talking about his academic struggles, including not doing well on the SAT. That wasn’t an attack on anyone. It was a time to be vulnerable about his journey.”
Sunday’s event wasn’t the first time Newsom shared his SAT scores. The governor has spoken about his test performance several times in interviews dealing with dementia and growing confidence issues, including during an interview with The Times about his new memoir “Fast Guy” earlier this month.
“Come on, I’m the 960 SAT guy, the governor of the fourth largest economy in the world,” Newsom told The Times. “I’m a boy, you know, with sweaty hands as described in a book, you know, who can’t read speech, and I’m a ruler. I’m talking to you. Come on, everything’s wonderful.”
Newsom used the low scores as an example of the resilience and resilience she learned from her mother.
The governor regularly chats with Republicans on social media. The furor over his remarks, whether justified or politically motivated, is likely to continue as he flirts with the 2028 presidency.
“We are used to talking loudly, politics that boast so much that when someone talks about mistakes, people try to twist it into something else,” said Dickens in his letter on Instagram. “I’m not going to make it clear. This is Atlanta. We don’t need anyone to tell us when to be offended. And history has shown… when we’re there, you’ll know.”
