President Donald Trump sharply criticized California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) on Wednesday night, blasting the Democrat over remarks he made during a recent interview and declaring the moment a “politically suicidal act.”
The president’s comments came as backlash continued to build around statements Newsom made while discussing his struggles with dyslexia during a public appearance in Atlanta.
The backlash traces back to a February appearance at the Rialto Center for the Arts, where Newsom joined Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens for a discussion promoting his memoir, Young Man in a Hurry.
As Resist the Mainstream previously highlighted, the California governor reflected on his academic challenges while attempting to relate his experiences to the audience.
“I’m not trying to impress you. I’m just trying to impress upon you, I am like you. I am no better than you,” Newsom said during the event. “I am a 960 SAT guy. And I’m not trying to offend anyone, [or] act all there if you got 940. But literally a 960 SAT guy. You have never seen me read a speech, because I cannot read a speech.”
The remarks quickly spread online and triggered criticism from conservatives who argued the governor appeared to be talking down to the audience.
Trump responded to the controversy on Truth Social Wednesday, delivering a blistering critique of the governor and suggesting the remarks could derail any potential White House ambitions.
“Gavin Newscum’s interview weeks ago was, perhaps, the most self-destructive interview I’ve ever seen,” Trump wrote. “In one fell swoop, he took himself out of even being considered as the Presidential Nominee of the Crazy (as proven at the State of the Union Address) Democrats.”
The president continued his criticism by accusing Newsom of insulting voters and undermining his own political standing.
“Black people are angry because he is obviously a racist,” Trump said. “While we all want to be politically correct, having a mental disorder is not a positive campaign event. Also, this was a politically suicidal act … He is no longer a viable presidential candidate.”
While Newsom has not officially launched a 2028 presidential campaign, he is frequently mentioned among Democrats as a possible contender after serving two terms as governor of the nation’s most populous state.
Political speculation about his national ambitions has grown as he continues to expand his national profile through media appearances and book events.
Critics also weighed in on the controversy.
Corrin Rankin, chair of the California Republican Party, accused the governor of speaking down to black voters during the remarks.
“Gavin Newsom continues to speak down to Black people, saying that we aren’t smart enough, or capable of getting an ID, or passport, or even score higher than a thousand on our SATs,” Rankin said, according to The Hill.
Newsom has defended his comments, insisting they were meant to highlight his long-standing struggle with dyslexia rather than disparage anyone else.
The governor has frequently referenced the learning disorder when discussing his education and political style, saying it forced him to prepare differently than other public figures, Newsweek noted.
Responding to Trump’s attack on social media, Newsom fired back with a sharp rebuke.
“I spoke about my dyslexia,” the governor wrote. “I know that’s hard for a brain-dead moron who bombs children and protects pedophiles to understand.”
Dickens also defended the governor following the event, urging critics to consider the broader context of the conversation rather than viral clips circulating online.
“Take it from someone who was actually in the chair asking the questions: context matters more than a headline,” Dickens said, adding that the governor had been discussing his personal academic struggles rather than criticizing anyone in the audience.
The dispute marks the latest chapter in the long-running political feud between Trump and Newsom, who have frequently sparred over policy issues ranging from immigration to crime and cultural debates.
With speculation continuing over a possible 2028 presidential run, the clash underscores the intense scrutiny Newsom faces as his national profile grows.
