California Governor Newsom Responds to Racism Allegations with Strong Rebuttal

California Governor Gavin Newsom found himself in the crosshairs of conservative media after his comments to a predominantly black audience led to accusations of racism. Newsom, addressing the crowd, shared personal anecdotes about his struggles with dyslexia and his low SAT scores, asserting, “I’m like you.” This remark spurred a wave of criticism, especially from Fox News host Sean Hannity, who took to social media platform X to criticize Newsom’s comparison. Hannity’s post read, “Thinks a 960 SAT Makes Him ‘Like’ Black Americans. Let That Sink In.”

In a fiery response, Newsom lambasted Hannity, accusing him of selective outrage. Newsom pointed out Hannity’s silence during past controversial incidents involving Donald Trump, such as when Trump shared a video portraying Barack Obama as an ape or made derogatory remarks about African nations. “You didn’t give a [expletive] about the President of the United States of America posting an ape video of President Obama or calling African nations [expletive] — but you’re going to call me racist for talking about my lifelong struggle with dyslexia?” Newsom retorted. “Spare me your fake [expletive] outrage, Sean.”

Newsom’s comments came during an event in Atlanta, Georgia, where he was promoting his memoir, “Young Man in a Hurry.” The California governor, who is speculated to be considering a presidential run in 2028, addressed his audience candidly about his personal challenges. “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,” he explained, emphasizing his connection to the audience through shared struggles.

Newsom’s spokesperson responded to conservative outrage by telling the Daily Mail: ‘First MAGA mocked his dyslexia and now they’re calling him racist for talking about his low SAT scores. This is fake MAGA-manufactured outrage.’ ‘The Governor has said this publicly for years — including with Charlie Kirk and dozens of other audiences. The same people who excused or ignored Trump’s racist ape video can go [expletive] themselves.’ Other conservative media personalities also piled on Newsom for sharing his difficulties reading. ‘This clip will haunt him forever,’ wrote former Fox News anchor Megyn Kelly.

Conservative firebrand Mark Levin claimed, ‘If any Republican said what this moron Newscum said, their political careers would be over. Let’s see how the Democrats and their media react.’ Newsom is widely viewed as a leading contender for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2028, as the party searches for direction following defeat in 2024. Prediction markets and early Democratic voter polling show Newsom leading the field, along with former Vice President Kamala Harris. His latest memoir, Young Man in a Hurry, will be released on Tuesday. The governor’s book tour has upcoming stops in major blue states, including California and New York. The book traces Newsom’s political rise in California as the mayor of San Francisco, while also providing a candid account of his childhood.