Trump Criticizes Newsom's Dyslexia: A Controversial Stance on Learning Disabilities

Tue Mar 17 2026 18:43:07 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Former President Donald Trump stated that people with learning disabilities should not hold the presidency, mocking California Governor Gavin Newsom's dyslexia in the process. His remarks have sparked significant backlash from advocates for learning disabilities, who defended Newsom and pointed to the achievements of individuals with dyslexia in leadership.

Donald Trump has faced criticism after mocking California Governor Gavin Newsom's dyslexia, suggesting individuals with learning disabilities should not be presidents. The National Center for Learning Disabilities condemned Trump's remarks, asserting that such disabilities do not limit one's intelligence or ability to lead. Newsom has responded with his own jabs at Trump, highlighting his own struggles with dyslexia in a conversation on the topic.

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 responded to Trump's comments on social media, saying: NO THANK YOU, WE BELIEVE IN FREE ELECTIONS! During an on-stage conversation last month, he discussed his dyslexia and admitted to difficulties in reading.

Trump accused Newsom of racism and posted on Truth Social that he can't read, has dyslexia, and has a mental disorder - A Cognitive Mess!

The National Center for Learning Disabilities criticized Trump's comments further, emphasizing that dyslexia does not impair a person's intelligence or leadership qualities, highlighting that many accomplished leaders and former US presidents may have had dyslexia.