Newsom Fires Back at Hannity Over 'Racist' SAT Score Remarks

California governor rejects Fox News host's accusation of racial bias in comments about his dyslexia.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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California Governor Gavin Newsom has strongly rebuked Fox News host Sean Hannity for suggesting that Newsom's recent comments about his struggles with dyslexia were racially charged. Newsom made the remarks during a speaking event in Atlanta, where he discussed his lifelong battle with the learning disability.

Why it matters

Newsom's clash with Hannity highlights the ongoing tensions between Democratic politicians and conservative media figures, particularly around issues of race and identity. The governor's forceful response underscores his willingness to aggressively defend himself against accusations of racism.

The details

During his remarks in Atlanta, Newsom opened up about how his dyslexia affected his academic performance, including his SAT scores. Hannity later suggested on his Fox News program that Newsom's comments were 'racist.' In a scathing retort, Newsom accused Hannity of ignoring past racist remarks made by former President Trump, while unfairly labeling the governor's personal anecdote as racially insensitive.

  • Newsom made the remarks about his dyslexia during a speaking event in Atlanta on February 22, 2026.
  • Hannity criticized Newsom's comments on his Fox News program on February 23, 2026.

The players

Gavin Newsom

The current Governor of California, known for his progressive policies and willingness to take on conservative critics.

Sean Hannity

A prominent conservative commentator and host on the Fox News Channel.

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What they’re saying

“You didn't give a s—t about the President of the United States of America posting an ape video of President Obama or calling African nations s—tholes — but you're going to call me racist for talking about my lifelong struggle with dyslexia?”

— Gavin Newsom, Governor of California

The takeaway

This incident underscores the highly polarized political climate in the US, where even personal anecdotes can become flashpoints for partisan attacks. Newsom's forceful response highlights his willingness to aggressively defend himself against accusations of racism, even from prominent conservative media figures.