Somebody check on Newsom’s comms director.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s communications team is facing scrutiny after a spokesperson used profanity in response to a reporter seeking documentation related to the governor’s past claims of a dyslexia diagnosis.
According to a screenshot shared on X, Newsom communications director Izzy Gardon replied to a RealClearPolitics reporter who had requested evidence supporting the governor’s previously stated childhood diagnosis.
“Hey Susan — thanks for reaching out. Respectfully, f–k off,” the staffer wrote in the email exchange.
🚨🚨EXCLUSIVE and BREAKING: What about that @GavinNewsom dyslexia disgnosis – can the gov. provide any paperwork related to his dyslexia diagnosis at any time of his life?
Newsom’s comms team just now tells me to “fuck off.”
Think @GavinNewsom’s comms team is losing it today? pic.twitter.com/oT3GoK5Cxi
— Susan Crabtree (@susancrabtree) February 23, 2026
The inquiry came after reporter Susan Crabtree asked whether documentation existed that could address skepticism surrounding Newsom’s claim that he was diagnosed with dyslexia in 1972 at about age five.
The issue resurfaced after Newsom referenced the disorder during an event in Atlanta on Sunday promoting his new memoir.
During that appearance, Newsom discussed his SAT score while speaking with Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens.
“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,” Newsom said. “And I’m not trying to offend anyone. I’m not trying to act all there if you got 940 … You’ve never seen me read a speech because I cannot read a speech.”
The remarks drew criticism, including accusations of insensitivity, prompting Newsom to respond forcefully on X.
“You didn’t give a s–t about the President of the United States of America posting an ape video of President [Barack] Obama or calling African nations s—holes — but you’re going to call me racist for talking about my lifelong struggle with dyslexia?” Newsom wrote.
“Spare me your fake f–king outrage.”
You didn’t give a shit about the President of the United States of America posting an ape video of President Obama or calling African nations shitholes — but you’re going to call me racist for talking about my lifelong struggle with dyslexia?
Spare me your fake fucking outrage,… https://t.co/ABNZJQJLcj
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) February 23, 2026