Trump Critiques Newsom Over Dyslexia: 'Presidents Should Not Have Learning Disabilities'

Tue Mar 17 2026 05:42:59 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

In a recent press conference, Donald Trump openly mocked California Governor Gavin Newsom for his dyslexia, claiming it disqualifies him from presidential office. Newsom retaliated with harsh criticism of Trump’s comments.

Donald Trump has reignited controversy by publicly stating that individuals with learning disabilities should not hold presidential status, while specifically targeting California Governor Gavin Newsom over his dyslexia. The comments have drawn backlash from organizations advocating for individuals with learning disabilities, who emphasize that intelligence and leadership skills are not hindered by conditions like dyslexia. Newsom responded sharply to Trump's remarks, defending himself against such taunts.

Donald Trump has said he believes people with learning disabilities should not be president, as he renewed his taunts at California Governor Gavin Newsom over his dyslexia.

President Trump said Newsom, a potential Democratic White House contender, was dumb. He also made fun last week of the California governor's difficulty with reading and spelling, prompting Newsom to call him a brain-dead moron.

The National Center for Learning Disabilities told the BBC it was disturbed by and strongly condemns the Republican president's remarks.

Dyslexia, a learning condition that disrupts how the brain processes written language, affects as many as one in five Americans.

With a low IQ person, you know, because Gavin Newscum has admitted that he is a, that he has learning disabilities, Trump told reporters in the Oval Office on Monday. Newscum is Trump's nickname for the governor.

Honestly, I'm all for people with learning disabilities, but not for my president. 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.

Newsom made fun of Trump for appearing to accidentally refer to the governor as president. NO THANK YOU, WE BELIEVE IN FREE ELECTIONS! he posted on X.

During an on-stage conversation last month with the mayor of Atlanta, Newsom discussed his dyslexia, admitting, You've never seen me read a speech, because I cannot read a speech. His remarks sparked criticism of Trump, with some calling them racist. Trump accused Newsom of having a mental disorder and responded with derogatory statements on his social media platform.

The National Center for Learning Disabilities raised concerns, asserting that dyslexia does not impede a person’s intelligence or ability to lead, highlighting that many individuals with learning disabilities have held prominent roles in government. Notably, some past US presidents, including George Washington and John F. Kennedy, are speculated to have had dyslexia.