Newsom Responds to Criticism Over Comments on SAT Scores

California Governor Gavin Newsom has fired back at accusations of racism following remarks he made about low SAT scores during a discussion with Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens.

“You didn’t say anything about the President of the United States posting that awful monkey video of President Obama or calling African nations derogatory names. But now you’re going to label me a racist for sharing my lifelong battle with dyslexia?” Newsom expressed his frustration through a post, emphasizing his disbelief.

“Please stop making false accusations,” he added.

The governor’s comments came in light of a highly offensive video shared recently on former President Donald Trump’s platform, which featured the Obamas in a degrading manner. This video has since been taken down.

During the event in Atlanta meant to promote his memoir, “Youth in a Hurry,” Newsom talked about his own SAT score, using it as a way to connect with an audience that is predominantly Black.

“I’m not here to impress anyone—just to show you that I’m like you,” he shared with Dickens at the event. “I’m a 960 SAT guy, not intending to offend anyone. Even with a 940, my performances aren’t going to be stellar. I can’t read speeches; that’s why I don’t do it.”

Republican Senator Ted Cruz commented on Newsom’s statements, suggesting that they reveal a “soft bias of low expectations.” He reshared comments from political scientist Carol M. Swain, highlighting what she described as “liberal racism.”

Even singer Nicki Minaj, who is known for her outspoken views, weighed in, criticizing the governor’s remarks. “His way of connecting with Black people is by confiding in them about how uneducated he is,” she remarked.

Newsom is set to continue his book tour, with an upcoming appearance scheduled in Rock Hill, South Carolina.