President Donald Trump said California Governor Gavin Newsom “stupid” and “low IQ,” claiming a learning disability makes the governor unfit for the U.S. presidency [2].
The comments matter because they revive a long‑standing myth that learning disabilities preclude effective leadership, a narrative disability advocates say fuels stigma and discourages participation in public life. Critics said that Trump has repeatedly linked personal health issues to fitness for office, a tactic that can shape voter perceptions and policy debates [3][5].
Trump made the remarks during a reported White House Cabinet meeting — a short video clip quickly spread on social media, prompting widespread commentary. Within hours, the clip amassed over 2 million views on TikTok, and was shared on Twitter, and Facebook, amplifying the controversy [4][2].
Trump said Newsom “stupid,” “low IQ,” [2] and said, “I don’t want a person with mental disability to be my president.” [4] The language echoed earlier attacks on political rivals, raising concerns about the president’s use of disability as a political weapon.
One of the most vocal responders was 18‑year‑old Lauryn Muller, who shared the clip on TikTok and said the remarks made her feel “unsafe” as someone who has dyslexia herself. Her comments highlighted the personal impact of such rhetoric [1].
Disability rights groups said the statements were harmful, noting that dyslexia is a common condition affecting millions and does not impair decision‑making ability. The National Center for Learning Disabilities said the remarks were “misinformed and dangerous,” and said public figures should avoid perpetuating myths about learning disabilities [1].
**What this means** The episode underscores how political leaders can weaponize health‑related stereotypes to undermine opponents, reinforcing harmful myths about learning disabilities. Such rhetoric not only distorts public discourse but also deepens stigma for millions living with dyslexia, potentially influencing how voters assess candidates’ qualifications based on unrelated medical conditions.
“Trump said Newsom “stupid,” “low IQ,””
The episode underscores how political leaders can weaponize health‑related stereotypes to undermine opponents, reinforcing harmful myths about learning disabilities. Such rhetoric not only distorts public discourse but also deepens stigma for millions living with dyslexia, potentially influencing how voters assess candidates’ qualifications based on unrelated medical conditions.
