MLB outfielder Tommy Pham rejected California Governor Gavin Newsom’s recent joke about his SAT score during a public event with Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens. The incident occurred as Newsom aimed to connect with a predominantly Black audience, but Pham found the approach offensive and dismissive, reflecting a deeper tension over perceived stereotypes.
Pham shared the video on Instagram and expressed strong disapproval, stating,
“I was a straight-A student and scored well on my SAT. He thinks black ppl are dumb.”
Details of Newsom’s SAT Comment and Public Reaction
In the viral clip, Governor Newsom reveals he scored a 960 on the SAT, framing this as a way to show he is “not better than you” and “just like you.” However, many viewers interpreted the comment as patronizing rather than empathetic. Pham underscored his point by also reposting another video of Newsom claiming he once read a 260-page book in an hour and a half, illustrating a disconnect between Newsom’s self-depiction and how some members of the public perceive him.
Nicki Minaj Adds to Criticism of Newsom’s Remarks
Support for Pham’s view was echoed by rapper Nicki Minaj on social media, where she criticized Newsom’s approach to relating with the Black community. Minaj tweeted,
“His way of bonding with black ppl is to tell them how stupid he is & that he can’t read. This means my first read on him was correct. He’s been handed so many things & put in high positions he never earned or deserved.”
Newsom’s Explanation and Aftermath of the Incident
Following the backlash, Newsom explained that his comments were meant to reflect his lifelong struggle with dyslexia. Despite this clarification, the initial damage had already spread widely online, with Pham’s critique capturing much of the public’s frustration. Social media across political lines engaged heavily with the topic, highlighting tensions surrounding representation and respect.
Wider Context and Implications
This episode illustrates the challenges political figures face when attempting to relate to diverse audiences, especially when missteps reinforce negative stereotypes. Tommy Pham’s response signals a broader dissatisfaction with how some individuals in power communicate with minority communities, emphasizing the need for greater sensitivity and understanding. The controversy is likely to influence how Newsom and other leaders approach similar interactions in the future.
His way of bonding with black ppl is to tell them how stupid he is & that he can’t read.
This means my first read on him was correct. He’s been handed so many things & put in high positions he never earned or deserved.
Do you wanna know the craziest part of this footage that… https://t.co/llo1k7F7wB
— Nicki Minaj (@NICKIMINAJ) February 23, 2026
