DISQUALIFYING: Social media explodes over ‘racist’ viral comment from Gov Newsom

February 23, 2026

From Fox News: California’s Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom, widely believed to have White House ambitions, is facing blowback over a viral clip that critics say portrays him talking down to Black voters while discussing his poor test scores and reading ability.

“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 told Mayor Andre Dickens at a book tour event on Sunday in Atlanta, Georgia, at the Rialto Center for the Arts.

“You know, I’m a 960 SAT guy. And, you know, and I’m not trying to offend anyone, you know, ‘trying to act all there if you got 940,’” Newsom continued. “Literally a 960 SAT guy, you’ve never seen me read a speech. Because I cannot read a speech. Maybe the wrong business to be in.”

The clip, first posted by the conservative influencer account End Wokeness, has been viewed over 20 million times after being posted on Sunday, with many conservatives suggesting that Newsom’s comment was “racist.”

“That might be the most racist thing Newsom has ever said in public,” declared journalist Paul Szypula.

That might be the most racist thing Newsom has ever said in public.

— Paul A. Szypula 🇺🇸 (@Bubblebathgirl) February 23, 2026

“This should be running as an add 24/7,” one X user suggested.

“Their playbook never changes. Pandering 101,” another person wrote.

Marilyn Muller wrote, “By far the most openly racist and ableist statement from a Democrat in years. This isn’t a slip—it’s who they are when the mask slips. Unacceptable. Period. And they wonder why people are walking away…”

The America PAC, founded by Elon Musk, wrote, “Gavin Newsom thinks Voter ID is racist but this is just fine.”

Elon Musk reacted with a “cringe face” emoji.

😑 https://t.co/PpWcMCa2Za

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) February 23, 2026

Rapper Nicki Minaj blasted Newsom, with the following statement:

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.

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

— Nicki Minaj (@NICKIMINAJ) February 23, 2026

“This clip will haunt him forever,” predicted podcaster Megyn Kelly.

Rep. Randy Fine (R-Fla.) wrote, “Gavin Newsom just said he is like a black person because he got a bad SAT score and can’t read. I wish I could come up with something witty, but it’s so disgusting, I can’t. I look forward to all my Democrat colleagues in Congress demanding his resignation tomorrow.”

“Absolute moron,” wrote actor James Woods.

YouTuber Tiffany Fong declared, “Is this not racist as shit?”

Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) wrote, “.@CAGovernor just called black kids stupid. Voter ID isn’t racist. But Newsom sure is.”

Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) wrote, “Black Americans aren’t your low bar. We’ve built empires, created movements, outworked, outhustled and outsmarted people like you. Stop using your mediocre academics as a way to patronize communities. Its ridiculous!”

Black Americans aren’t your low bar. We’ve built empires, created movements, outworked, outhustled and outsmarted people like you. Stop using your mediocre academics as a way to patronize communities. Its ridiculous! https://t.co/fQYIOfeA1T

— Tim Scott (@votetimscott) February 23, 2026

“Next thing you know, @CAgovernor is going to tell us he doesn’t change the batteries in his smoke alarm,” mocked journalist Laura Loomer.

Radio host Joe Concha suggested, “This is disqualifying. Run this ad over and over in 2027-2028…”