President Donald Trump on Wednesday night sharply criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom (D) over remarks Newsom made during a recent public appearance in Atlanta, calling the incident a "politically suicidal act." President Trump's comments, posted on Truth Social, came as a wave of backlash continued to build around statements Governor Newsom made while discussing his struggles with dyslexia.
The controversy originated from a February event at the Rialto Center for the Arts in Atlanta, where Governor Newsom joined Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens for a discussion promoting his memoir, "Young Man in a Hurry." During the appearance, Governor Newsom reflected on his academic challenges and attempted to relate his personal 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 stated. "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."
These remarks quickly circulated online, drawing significant criticism, particularly from conservative commentators who interpreted the governor's statements as condescending or dismissive towards the audience. The perception that Newsom was talking down to attendees, especially concerning academic achievement, fueled much of the initial negative reaction.
President Donald Trump weighed in on the controversy on Wednesday, March 12, 2026, delivering a blistering critique of Governor Newsom and suggesting the remarks could severely undermine any potential White House aspirations. "Gavin Newscum’s interview weeks ago was, perhaps, the most self-destructive interview I’ve ever seen," President Trump wrote on Truth Social. "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."
President Trump continued his criticism by accusing Governor Newsom of insulting voters and strategically damaging his own political standing. "Black people are angry because he is obviously a racist," President Trump stated. "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 Governor Newsom has not officially launched a 2028 presidential campaign, he is frequently mentioned among Democratic circles as a possible contender. Having served two terms as governor of the nation’s most populous state, his national profile has steadily grown through various media appearances and book events, leading to increased speculation about his future political ambitions.
Other critics also joined the discourse. Corrin Rankin, chair of the California Republican Party, accused the governor of speaking down to Black voters during his 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.
Governor Newsom has since defended his comments, asserting that they were intended to highlight his long-standing struggle with dyslexia rather than to disparage anyone in the audience. He has frequently referenced the learning disorder when discussing his educational background and political style, noting that it has compelled him to prepare for public engagements differently than many other public figures.
In response to President Trump’s direct attack on social media, Governor 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."
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens also defended Governor Newsom following the event, urging critics to consider the broader context of the conversation rather than relying on isolated viral clips circulating online. "Take it from someone who was actually in the chair asking the questions: context matters more than a headline," Mayor Dickens commented, emphasizing that Governor Newsom had been discussing his personal academic struggles and not criticizing audience members.
This latest public dispute marks another chapter in the ongoing political feud between President Donald Trump and Governor Gavin Newsom. The two prominent figures have frequently engaged in sparring matches over a range of policy issues, from immigration and crime to broader cultural debates. As speculation continues to mount regarding a possible 2028 presidential run, this clash underscores the intense scrutiny Governor Newsom faces as his national profile expands and he navigates the complexities of national political discourse.
