Trump Tears Into Newsom
President Donald Trump sharply criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom on Wednesday evening, reigniting their long-running political rivalry after comments the governor made during a recent book tour drew widespread criticism.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump described Newsom’s recent interview as “one of the most self-destructive political appearances” he had seen in years.
The president argued that the California governor’s remarks could significantly damage his national political ambitions, particularly as Newsom is frequently mentioned as a potential Democratic presidential candidate in 2028.
“With that single moment, he essentially removed himself from any serious consideration as the Democrats’ presidential nominee,” Trump wrote.
The comments quickly spread across social media and political circles, adding fuel to an already heated debate surrounding Newsom’s recent public statements.
Newsom’s Book Tour Remarks Draw Attention
The controversy began during an appearance tied to Newsom’s memoir, Young Man in a Hurry, where the governor sat down for a public conversation with Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens.
While speaking to the audience, Newsom attempted to emphasize that he relates to ordinary Americans and does not see himself as intellectually superior to voters.
“I’m not trying to impress you,” Newsom told the crowd. “I’m simply trying to impress upon you that I’m like you.”
He then referenced his academic history, explaining that he scored 960 on the SAT and joking about his difficulty reading from prepared speeches.
Newsom added that he rarely reads directly from scripts during speeches, noting that reading aloud has always been a challenge for him.
Conservative Leaders Respond
The remarks quickly sparked criticism from conservative figures, particularly in California.
Some critics argued that the governor’s comments sounded dismissive or patronizing toward voters, especially when discussing education and test scores.
Corrin Rankin, chair of the California Republican Party, strongly condemned the remarks and accused the governor of talking down to certain communities.
“Gavin Newsom continues to speak down to Black Americans,” Rankin said in a statement. “Suggesting that people cannot obtain identification or achieve higher academic scores is deeply offensive.”
The comments spread rapidly across conservative media outlets, with critics questioning the tone and message behind Newsom’s attempt to connect with voters.
Newsom Says Comments Referred to Dyslexia
Following the backlash, Newsom defended his remarks, explaining that he was referencing his lifelong struggle with dyslexia, a learning disability he has discussed publicly in several interviews over the years.
The governor has frequently described how dyslexia made school difficult during his early years and says those challenges shaped his personal and political journey.
Newsom has previously spoken about the condition in interviews and public appearances, describing how he worked to overcome academic obstacles.
However, critics argued that his explanation did little to calm the controversy.
Trump Doubles Down on Criticism
President Trump returned to the issue later Wednesday, continuing to criticize Newsom’s comments and questioning whether the governor could remain a serious contender for the 2028 presidential election.
Trump suggested that the controversy could damage Newsom’s standing within the Democratic Party and among voters nationwide.
The president also described the interview as a major political misstep, arguing that it could make it difficult for the California governor to build support on a national stage.
2028 Presidential Race Already Taking Shape
Although Gavin Newsom has not officially declared a presidential campaign, political observers continue to speculate about his potential role in the next national election.
Several prominent Democrats are expected to weigh possible runs for the 2028 White House race, and Newsom is often mentioned as one of the party’s most recognizable figures.
The governor said recently that any decision about a presidential campaign will ultimately involve discussions with his family.
For now, the latest exchange between Trump and Newsom highlights how early political battles are already beginning to shape the conversation around the next presidential election cycle.
