Trump's Controversial Remarks on Learning Disabilities Ignite Debate

Tue Mar 17 2026 06:02:16 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Donald Trump has sparked controversy by stating that presidents should not have learning disabilities, targeting California Governor Gavin Newsom over his dyslexia.

In a recent press conference, former President Donald Trump made remarks suggesting that individuals with learning disabilities should not hold the presidency. He targeted California Governor Gavin Newsom, who has dyslexia, labeling him 'dumb' and criticizing his capabilities. In response, Newsom fired back on social media, defending himself and mocking Trump's comments. Trump's remarks have been condemned by the National Center for Learning Disabilities, which emphasized that dyslexia does not affect a person's intelligence or leadership abilities.

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, Georgia, Newsom discussed his dyslexia. I'm like you, the governor told the audience as he cited his poor exam results and difficulty reading.

Trump also accused Newsom of racism and posted that he can't read, has dyslexia, and has a mental disorder - A Cognitive Mess! Newsom shot back at Trump on social media, stating, I know that's hard for a brain-dead moron who bombs children and protects pedophiles to understand.

The National Center for Learning Disabilities criticized Trump's comments, asserting that dyslexia does not impair intelligence or leadership ability. Notably, past U.S. presidents, including George Washington and John F. Kennedy, may have had similar challenges.

Approximately 15% to 20% of the U.S. population is affected by dyslexia, highlighting the need for understanding and support for those with learning disabilities in leadership roles.