In a sharp escalation of their ongoing political rivalry, U.S. President Donald Trump has launched a fresh attack on California Governor Gavin Newsom, focusing on Newsom's dyslexia as a disqualifying factor for the presidency. The remarks, made during a White House press briefing on Monday, have sparked controversy and drawn a swift, mocking response from the governor.
Trump's Criticism of Newsom's Learning Disability
President Trump, speaking to reporters, stated, "Honestly, I'm all for people with learning disabilities, but not for my president." He elaborated, "I think a president should not have learning disabilities," and added that Newsom, whom he derisively nicknamed "Gavin Newscum," has a "low IQ" and is "dumb." A White House spokesperson supported Trump's comments, calling Newsom "the worst governor in America" and possibly "the dumbest."
Trump reiterated this stance in a recent interview with Fox News, saying, "Presidents can't have a learning disability. If you have that, that's not a good thing." He also referenced a rally in Kentucky where he claimed Newsom admitted to "mental problems" and an inability to read speeches, concluding, "I don't want the president of the United States to have a cognitive deficiency."
Newsom's Response and Social Media Exchange
Governor Newsom quickly fired back on social media, particularly after Trump mistakenly referred to him as already being "the president of the United States." Newsom mocked this slip-up by writing in all caps on X, "NO THANK YOU, WE BELIEVE IN FREE ELECTIONS!" mimicking Trump's signature online style.
In another post, Newsom retorted to Trump's criticism of his intelligence with a sarcastic "Too late," alluding to widespread concerns about Trump's own mental acuity. The governor has been vocal about his dyslexia, linking it to his lower SAT scores and explaining it as the reason he avoids reading speeches publicly.
Defense of Dyslexia and Accusations of Racism
Newsom has faced backlash for comments made at an appearance in Atlanta, where he told a Black audience that his dyslexia made him "like you" due to his middling SAT scores, leading some to accuse him of racism. He defended himself on X, calling it "fake f***ing outrage" and pointing to Trump's past controversial actions, such as posting a video depicting Barack and Michelle Obama as apes and referring to African nations as "s***holes."
Trump continued the feud on Truth Social, labeling Newsom "a cognitive mess," to which Newsom responded by calling Trump "a brain-dead moron who bombs children and protects pedophiles." This exchange highlights the deepening personal animosity between the two political figures.
Broader Implications and Public Reaction
The clash underscores ongoing debates about disability, leadership, and political decorum in the United States. Newsom's openness about his dyslexia has been praised by advocates for raising awareness, while Trump's comments have drawn criticism for stigmatizing learning disabilities. As the 2026 political landscape evolves, this feud may influence public perception and electoral dynamics, with both sides leveraging social media to amplify their messages.
The incident also reflects broader tensions in U.S. politics, where personal attacks often overshadow policy discussions. With Newsom considered a potential future presidential candidate, Trump's targeting of his dyslexia could have lasting repercussions on how disabilities are viewed in leadership roles.
