Nicki Minaj and Cornel West Torch Gavin Newsom for Telling Black Audience His Low SAT Score Makes Him 'Just Like Them'

Nicki Minaj and Cornel West Slam Gavin Newsom for Patronizing Black Voters With Low SAT Score Remarks

California Governor Gavin Newsom is facing a firestorm of criticism from across the political spectrum after a viral clip showed him telling a predominantly Black audience in Atlanta that he relates to them because of his low SAT score and inability to read speeches.

During a February 22 book tour event at the Rialto Center for the Arts in Atlanta, Newsom told Mayor Andre Dickens, "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."

He continued, "You've never seen me read a speech. Because I cannot read a speech. Maybe the wrong business to be in." Newsom also suggested audience members may have scored 940 on their SATs, telling them he was "not trying to act all there."

His way of bonding with black ppl is to tell them how stupid he is & that he can't read. He's been handed so many things & put in high positions he never earned or deserved. — Nicki Minaj

Rapper Nicki Minaj, who has become an outspoken supporter of President Donald Trump, slammed Newsom on social media. She wrote that Newsom was "literally slowing his speech down and talking in a sporadic cadence" as if speaking to children.

Philosopher and former 2024 independent presidential candidate Cornel West offered an even more pointed rebuke on X.

When he thinks of Black people, he brings up low SAT scores. That mindset sits at the core of white supremacy. — Cornel West

Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina also weighed in, declaring, "Black Americans aren't your low bar. We've built empires, created movements, outworked, outhustled and outsmarted people like you."

The clip, shared by the conservative account End Wokeness, has been viewed over 54 million times on X. Newsom's office dismissed the controversy as "MAGA manufactured outrage," citing his long history of discussing his dyslexia publicly. Newsom is widely viewed as a top contender for the 2028 Democratic presidential primary, where recent polling shows him trailing Vice President Kamala Harris, who leads at 28.3% to his 20.7%.

Newsom's Controversial SAT Score Comments Spark Bipartisan Backlash Ahead of 2028 Presidential Run

MLB star Tommy Pham also joined the chorus of critics, accusing Newsom of implying Black people are unintelligent. The controversy has united voices from both the political right and left, with conservatives and progressives alike condemning the remarks as condescending and racially insensitive.

Newsom appeared on Fox News to defend himself, telling host Sean Hannity, "Spare me your fake outrage," insisting his comments were simply about his struggles with dyslexia and had nothing to do with race. Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens defended Newsom, calling the moment one of "vulnerability."

However, the damage may already be done for a politician with White House ambitions. The viral moment has raised serious questions about whether Newsom can connect with Black voters, a crucial Democratic constituency, without appearing patronizing.

The Crusader's Opinion

This is what happens when politicians treat people like voting blocks instead of human beings made in the image of God. Gavin Newsom stood before a room of Black Americans and essentially said, "I'm dumb too, so we're the same." That is not humility. That is the soft bigotry of low expectations dressed up as relatability. Scripture tells us that every person is fearfully and wonderfully made. You do not honor someone by lowering yourself to what you assume is their level. You honor them by recognizing the dignity God placed in them. Newsom's comments reveal a worldview that sees people as demographics to be managed, not souls to be respected. The fact that voices from Nicki Minaj to Cornel West to Tim Scott all saw through it tells you everything.

Take Action

• Share this story on social media and make your voice heard. Politicians must be held accountable for how they speak to and about communities of faith and color.
• Contact the California Governor's Office at (916) 445 2841 and respectfully express your concerns about the governor's remarks.
• Support organizations that empower and uplift communities through education and faith, such as The Shepherd's Shield.
• Register to vote and encourage others in your church community to participate in the 2028 primaries. Visit Vote.org to check your registration status.
• Pray for our political leaders, that they would seek genuine understanding and respect for all people rather than pandering for votes. (1 Timothy 2:1 2)