Former President Donald Trump stated that people with learning disabilities should not serve as president, addressing California Governor Gavin Newsom's dyslexia during an Oval Office meeting. Trump's derogatory remarks about Newsom's reading difficulties led to public outrage, particularly from advocacy groups like the National Center for Learning Disabilities, which stressed that dyslexia does not equate to a lack of intelligence or leadership skills. The backlash intensified when Trump referred to Newsom as 'dumb,' further fueling the conversation around competence and disabilities in leadership. Newsom publicly rebuffed Trump’s comments, signaling a deeper conversation about discrimination against people with learning disabilities and their capabilities to hold public office. Critics, including the National Center for Learning Disabilities, pointed out that many influential leaders, including previous U.S. presidents, faced similar challenges, underscoring that dyslexia affects a significant portion of the population. Trump’s comments highlight ongoing societal debates about ability and education in political contexts.