Trump repeatedly suggests Newsom can’t be president because he has dyslexia
President Donald Trump has repeatedly targeted Democratic rival and presumptive 2028 presidential candidate Gavin Newsom. But lately he’s become obsessed with saying that California’s governor can’t be president because of his “learning disability.”
Newsom has spoken openly about his struggle with dyslexia.
“You know, we have a person with a low IQ because Gavin Newscum admitted that he has a learning disability,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office on Monday, using a nickname he made up to refer to Newsom. “To be honest, I’m all for people with learning disabilities, but not for my president. I don’t think the president should have a learning disability, okay, and I know it’s pretty controversial to say such a terrible thing.”
“Everything about it is stupid,” Trump later added. This is at least the fourth time in less than a week that Newsom has commented on having a “learning disability.”
Trump and Newsom have sparred repeatedly over the years over a range of issues, including Trump’s deployment of National Guard troops to Los Angeles to assist with federal immigration enforcement, Newsom’s fight against wildfires in California and more. However, Trump’s comments mark a new point in the already rocky relationship.
Trump first addressed Newsom’s dyslexia in a speech in Kentucky last week; He told an audience of Newsom’s supporters that he “admitted to having mental issues” before suggesting that dyslexia was disqualifying for the presidential race. Newsom’s press office quickly said “Grandpa is talking about himself again” and encouraged him to “seek mental therapy.”
Since then, Trump has repeated those comments at least three times. on social mediainside Interview with Fox News radioand again on Monday during the signing of an executive action.
Newsom also responded to Trump’s social media post last week: shooting back at x“I talked about my dyslexia. I know it’s hard for a brain-dead idiot who bombs kids and protects pedophiles to understand.”
Inside His memoirs were published last monthNewsom writes that he struggled academically in his childhood and was eventually diagnosed with dyslexia. Inside A February interview with CNN’s Dana BashNewsom described his dyslexia this way: “superpower.”
“When I look back, it’s the best thing that ever happened to me,” Newsom said. “What I mean is, I have the freedom to not be bogged down by the written text and the freedom to work more, more repetition behind the scenes. I do—if you think you’re working hard, trust me, I work two or three times.”
“This has turned out to be a blessing, and it is a huge blessing in politics,” he added.
Trump has faced criticism before mocking a disabled reporter During his first presidential campaign in 2015.
For more CNN news and newsletters, create an account at: CNN.com
