Gavin Newsom, California’s leftist Democrat governor and a potential 2028 presidential candidate, is taking on criticism, perhaps even enough to sink a political career, after implying blacks aren’t that smart and perhaps cannot even read.
In an interview, Newsom said, “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. You know. I’m a 960 SAT guy. You know. And I’m not trying to offend anyone. You know, trying to act all there if you got 940. But literally a 960 SAT guy. I cannot. You’ve never seen me read a speech because I cannot read a speech.”
Gov. Newsom to a black crowd in GA: "I am like you. I'm a 960 SAT guy. I can't read." pic.twitter.com/4Gk0WKbIYz
— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) February 23, 2026
Entertainer Nick Minaj immediately responded, and it wasn’t to offer solace for Newsom’s scores.
“His way of bonding with black ppl is to tell them how stupid he is & that he can’t read. This means my first read on him was correct. He’s been handed so many things & put in high positions he never earned or deserved. Do you wanna know the craziest part of this footage that will haunt him forever? He’s literally slowing his speech down & talking in a sporadic cadence. He’s not just TELLING them that they’re all probably stupid & probably can’t read, 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!!!! Do ya love it?!?!! Do ya just love it, black ppl?!????
His way of bonding with black ppl is to tell them how stupid he is & that he can’t read.
— Nicki Minaj (@NICKIMINAJ) February 23, 2026
This means my first read on him was correct. He’s been handed so many things & put in high positions he never earned or deserved.
Do you wanna know the craziest part of this footage that… https://t.co/llo1k7F7wB
The Daily Mail pointed out Newsom now is “facing fury” for his comments, which came at an event in Atlanta, and included a question about his dyslexia.
A spokesman for Newsom tried to push the governor’s messaging: “First MAGA mocked his dyslexia and now they’re calling him racist for talking about his low SAT scores. This is fake MAGA-manufactured outrage.”
Then the spokesman said those who disagree can “go f— themselves,” a sure bet to improve the level of discourse.
“This clip will haunt him forever,” and former Fox News anchor Megyn Kelly. And conservative commentator Mark Levin said, “If any Republican said what this moron Newscum said their political careers would be over. Let’s see how the Democrats and their media react.”
Others pointed out Newsom’s life of privilege.
Gavin "I Grew Up Poor" Newsom was in the SF Chronicle 1991 "Children of the Rich" pic.twitter.com/zhFE8vsN3Y
— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) February 23, 2026
Raise your hand if you support Nicki Minaj ending Gavin Newsom’s career, exposing him to millions pic.twitter.com/SVtQmjTty5
— MAGA Voice (@MAGAVoice) February 23, 2026
.@GavinNewsom Thinks a 960 SAT Makes Him 'Like' Black Americans. Let That Sink In. pic.twitter.com/6tOo7L3fqr
— Sean Hannity 🇺🇸 (@seanhannity) February 23, 2026
Social media comments included:
“Is he gonna try his ghetto black accent next? Like Harris tried?”
“That’s what democrats really think about minorities.”
“I’m betting this is a strong final nail in the coffin of your political career.”
“He won’t get out from under that. Yikes.”
