Gavin Newsom on Donald Trump: He’s a ‘brain-dead moron who bombs children’

California Governor and US President Donald Trump are locked in a war of words, with the two politicians launching diatribes against each other. In a Truth Social post, Trump claimed that California’s top official had effectively ruled himself out of contention for the 2028 presidential race.“In one fell swoop, he took himself out of even being considered as the presidential nominee of the crazy Democrats,” Trump wrote.

The president said Newsom admitted to being ‘dumb’ and described the governor as a ‘cognitive mess.’
Responding to Trump’s comments, Newsom shared a screenshot of the US President’s Truth Social post, saying he was talking about his dyslexia.”I know that’s hard for a brain-dead moron who bombs children and protects paedophiles to understand,” he said.

I spoke about my dyslexia.

I know that’s hard for a brain-dead moron who bombs children and protects pedophiles to understand. pic.twitter.com/qFjsQeSJ1z— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) March 12, 2026

Trump’s post came after Newsom’s remarks made during a conversation with Andre Dickens, the mayor of Atlanta, at an event promoting the governor’s memoir ‘Young Man in a Hurry’.

Trump described the exchange as “the most self-destructive interview I’ve ever seen.”

Controversy over SAT score comment

The controversy stems from remarks Newsom made during the book tour event, where he sought to portray himself as relatable to ordinary Americans. Speaking to the audience, Newsom said he was “not trying to impress” them but rather emphasising that he was similar to them.

“I am no better than you. I am a 960 SAT guy. I’m not trying to offend anyone… but literally a 960 SAT guy. You’ve never seen me read a speech, because I cannot read a speech,” he said.

The remarks quickly drew criticism from conservative leaders, who accused the governor of talking down to Black voters. Corrin Rankin, the chair of the California Republican Party, said, “Gavin Newsom continues to speak down to Black people, saying that we aren’t smart enough, or capable of getting an ID, or passport, or even score higher than a thousand on our SATs.”

Newsom, however, said last month that his remarks were not intended to be racist and were meant to highlight his long-standing struggle with dyslexia.

2028 Presidential Speculation Continues

Newsom, whose name has often been floated as a 2028 presidential contender, has not officially declared any intention to run in the election. The California governor has previously said the decision would ultimately depend on discussions with his family.

“My son, Romeo, was very powerful, texted me a few months ago, and there was some headline that suggested that I made some decision, and he goes, ‘Dad, are you running [for] president?’” he told CNN.