A spokesman for Gavin Newsom told a reporter to “get off” after being asked to provide evidence of the California governor’s childhood diagnosis of dyslexia, according to images shared online.
The exchange came when RealClearPolitics correspondent Susan Crabtree emailed Newsom’s office with documentation to support the Democrat’s longstanding claim that he was diagnosed with dyslexia in 1972 at around age five.
“Hi Susan — thanks for reaching out. Regards, fk off,” Newsom’s communications director Izzy Gardon wrote in response, according to a screenshot Crabtree posted on X.
The reporter turns away
Crabtree criticized the response, saying journalists have a right to verify the claims of elected officials.
“Californians and all Americans deserve real answers to Newsom’s claims, not lazy, slurred deflections and hand gestures from a failed state politician who wants to be president,” she said.
“I will continue to ask tough questions despite this venomous, taxpayer-funded attempt to intimidate me,” Crabtree added.
Dyslexia comments reignite controversy
Newsom’s dyslexia diagnosis has resurfaced in recent days after he mentioned the reading disorder during a book tour in Atlanta promoting his new memoir. The governor has spoken publicly about his dyslexia since at least 2004, when he was mayor of San Francisco.
During an event with Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, Newsom cited his SAT scores when discussing his academic struggles.
“I’m not trying to impress you, I’m just trying to impress you: ‘I’m like you. I’m not better than you.’ I’m a 960 SAT guy,” Newsom said.
“And I’m not trying to offend anyone,” he added. “I’m not trying to play there when you’re 940… You’ve never seen me read a speech because I can’t read.
Newsom hits back at critics
In response to the remarks, Newsom defended himself on social media, accusing critics of hypocrisy.
“You didn’t say anything about the President of the United States posting a monkey video of President (Barack) Obama or calling African nations – a-holes – but you’re going to call me a racist for talking about my lifelong struggle with dyslexia?” Newsom wrote.
“Spare me your fake outrage king.
The episode comes as Newsom, widely seen as a potential Democratic presidential nominee in 2028, faces increased scrutiny of his public statements.
