Overview
- At a book-tour conversation with Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, Gavin Newsom described himself as “a 960 SAT guy” and said he does not read speeches because of dyslexia.
- A 38‑second clip shared by the conservative End Wokeness account went viral and drew accusations of racism from figures including Sean Hannity, Senator Tim Scott and Nicki Minaj.
- Newsom dismissed the criticism as “MAGA‑manufactured” and, in a post to Hannity, called out Republicans for ignoring President Trump’s racist posts while condemning his remarks.
- Dickens defended the exchange as a moment about Newsom’s academic struggles, while additional videos showed a racially mixed audience contrary to claims he addressed a Black crowd.
- The flap is unfolding as Newsom promotes his memoir on a multi-state tour and builds a national profile ahead of a widely expected 2028 bid.