Political Activist Cornel West Accuses Governor Newsom of Reinforcing 'Core Pillars of White Supremacy' Over SAT Remarks

Philosopher and political activist Cornel West criticized California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Tuesday for comments made about his low SAT score during his current book tour, claiming they reflect what West described a deeper pattern of racial stereotyping.

The comments made by Newsom took place during a public conversation with Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens while promoting his new book:

"I'm not trying to impress you, I'm just trying to impress upon you I'm like you, I'm not better than you. I'm a 960 SAT guy and you know, I'm not trying to offend anyone — you know — trying to act all there if you got 940 — but literally, a 960 SAT guy. You've never seen me read a speech because I cannot read a speech. Maybe the wrong business to be"

His remarks went viral and were amplified by conservatives a who claimed Newsom's remarks were racist because he was speaking to a Black elected official. Republican figures, including California GOP Chair Corrin Rankin, argued the comments reflected "the bigotry of low expectations."

West, a longtime public intellectual and former presidential candidate known for his writings on race, democracy, and social justice, took exception to the remarks during a radio interview with Travis Smiley and in a subsequent social media post.

"Brother Newsom could've taken a humanistic approach!" said West on X. "He could've said, 'I'm just like you. I was born of a woman. I'll face loss, pain, and death just like anyone else.' But instead, when he thinks of Black people, he brings up low SAT scores." West added: "That mindset sits at the core of white supremacy—the belief that Black people are less beautiful, less moral, less intelligent!"

During the interview clip, West elaborated on the same ideas, adding that the undertones in Newsom's words "can be seen in the Trump administration, too." adding that "that's what the visions attacks on DEI was about."

On Tuesday, Newsom rejected claims that argued he was implying that low test scores are characteristic of Black Americans, stating he was discussing his lifelong struggle with dyslexia.

His communications director called the backlash "MAGA-manufactured outrage," noting that the governor has referenced his SAT scores publicly for years. Dickens also defended Newsom, saying the remarks were "a moment of vulnerability about his own journey."