WASHINGTON — Donald Trump escalated his long-running feud with California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Monday, explicitly stating that people with learning disabilities should not be president and mocking the governor’s dyslexia as evidence he’s “dumb.”
“With a low IQ person, you know, because Gavin Newscum has admitted that he has learning disabilities,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office, using his derisive nickname for the governor.
“Honestly, I’m all for people with learning disabilities, but not for my president,” Trump continued. “I don’t want, I think a president should not have learning disabilities, OK? And I know it’s highly controversial to say such a horrible thing.”
He added: “The President of the United States, Gavin Newscum, admitted that he has learning disabilities, dyslexia. Everything about him is dumb.”
The Backstory
Trump’s comments came after Newsom discussed his dyslexia publicly during an on-stage conversation last month with Atlanta’s mayor. The governor told the audience about his poor exam results and difficulty reading.
“You’ve never seen me read a speech, because I cannot read a speech,” Newsom said.
His remarks to a predominantly Black audience sparked conservative claims that he was talking down to African-American voters — an accusation Trump amplified.
Last week, Trump posted on Truth Social that Newsom “can’t read, has dyslexia, and has a mental disorder — A Cognitive Mess!” He also accused the governor of racism.
Newsom fired back on social media: “I spoke about my dyslexia. I know that’s hard for a brain-dead moron who bombs children and protects pedophiles to understand”.
Monday’s Oval Office comments escalated the war of words further.
Newsom’s Response
When Trump accidentally referred to Newsom as “president,” the governor seized on the slip.
“NO THANK YOU, WE BELIEVE IN FREE ELECTIONS!” Newsom posted on X.
The 2028 context hangs over every exchange. Newsom is widely viewed as a potential Democratic presidential contender, and Trump’s attacks appear designed to wound a future rival before he formally enters the race.
The Facts About Dyslexia
Dyslexia is a learning condition that disrupts how the brain processes written language, affecting as many as one in five Americans l. About 15% of the U.S. population is affected, according to the Department of Health and Human Services; some estimates place the figure as high as 20%.
The National Center for Learning Disabilities condemned Trump’s remarks in a statement to the BBC.
“We are disturbed by and strongly condemns the Republican president’s remarks,” said Jackie Rodriguez, the center’s chief executive.
Rodriguez emphasized that dyslexia does not impair a person’s intelligence, judgment or ability to lead. “In fact, people with learning disabilities have risen to the upper echelon of every public office in the United States, including former presidents”.
Researchers have suggested that several past presidents — including George Washington, John F. Kennedy, and Woodrow Wilson — may have had dyslexia.
The Broader Reaction
Trump’s comments drew immediate criticism from disability advocates and education experts, who noted the irony of attacking a condition that affects millions of Americans, including many children.
The exchange also highlighted the increasingly personal nature of the Trump-Newsom rivalry, which has escalated as both men position themselves for future political battles.
For Newsom, Trump’s attacks on his dyslexia offer an opportunity to connect with millions of Americans who share his condition — and to position himself as someone who overcame challenges Trump considers disqualifying.
“Don’t let anyone — not even the President of the United States — bully you,” Newsom posted after last week’s attacks.
Trump’s response Monday suggests the bullying is far from over.
