California Governor Gavin Newsom came under fire for pandering to black voters with rapper Nicki Minaj ripping him for speaking to voters “as if they’re children.”
In a tour stop in Georgia promoting his memoir, the Democrat, who is being touted for a potential 2028 presidential bid, tried to convince the racially mixed audience that he was just like them.
“What would you like for the reader to know more intimately about you? … Even growing up with dyslexia and all that, what do you want us to take from that?” Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens asked Newsom at the event.
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
“Like so many folks, I put a mask on, and my face was starting to grow into it,” Newsom replied.
“I’m not trying to be someone I’m not. I can’t do that anymore,” he continued. “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.”
“I’m a 960 SAT guy. And I’m not trying to offend anyone. I’m not trying to act all there if you got 940,” Newsom said, getting some laughs from the crowd.
“You’ve never seen me read a speech because I cannot read a speech,” he said. “Maybe the wrong business to be in.”
His remarks sparked a wave of criticism on social media, where many X users pointed out that the governor not only could not read a speech… he also could not read a room.
I know he can’t read a room. He is also tone deaf. Sadly, he’s not speechless
— Rob Womack (@Rojowo) February 23, 2026
“I’m like you, I can’t read.”
Interesting angle for him to take in an attempt to connect with black people.
— Bob (@BikingForTrump) February 23, 2026
“His way of bonding with black ppl is to tell them how stupid he is & that he can’t read,” Minaj posted in response to a clip of Newsom’s tone deaf remarks.
“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!!!!” added the star, who has repeatedly criticized Newsom.
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
Social media users continued to blast the governor on X.
How disgusting is this man?
— GinnyM (@PatriotXV11) February 23, 2026
Oh, how hard did he kiss the pander stone before saying this. 🤣🤣🤣
— Shaun (@ShaunStromb) February 23, 2026
A 960 SAT should be disqualifying for governor, let alone President.
— Myshkin (@Myshkin1984) February 23, 2026
I think he’s trying to say “I was born a poor black child.” 🙂
— RhondaKlick (@RhondaK930) February 23, 2026
The saddest part black person interviewing him just nodding along and laughing…🤦🏼♂️🤷🏼♂️
— Ehsaas (@quotespring) February 23, 2026
Sure, but do you have any hot sauce in your purse?
— Mr. 🇺🇸USA 1st🇺🇸 (@FKMahoney) February 23, 2026
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Originally from New York, Powers graduated from New York University and eventually made her way to sunny South Florida. Powers also contributes to BizPac Review.
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