Trump Attacks Newsom Over Dyslexia, Sparks Debate on Learning Disabilities and Presidential Fitness

President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom, a potential 2028 presidential candidate, focusing on Newsom’s dyslexia as a disqualifier for the nation’s highest office. The attacks have ignited a broader conversation about learning disabilities and whether they should factor into assessments of a candidate’s fitness for the presidency.

Trump’s Claims and Newsom’s Response

Trump first referenced Newsom’s dyslexia last week, suggesting it indicated “mental problems” and made him unfit to be president. He reiterated these claims on multiple occasions, including during an Oval Office press briefing on Monday, March 17, 2026, referring to Newsom as “Gavin Newscum” and calling him a “low-IQ person.” “Honestly, I’m all for people with learning disabilities, but not for my president. I don’t think a president should have a learning disability,” Trump stated according to the Recent York Times.

Newsom responded to Trump’s remarks on X, defending himself and individuals with disabilities. “To every kid with a learning disability: don’t let anyone — not even the President of the United States — bully you. Dyslexia isn’t a weakness. It’s your strength,” USA TODAY reported. He also criticized Trump’s comments on social media, stating, “I spoke about my dyslexia.”

Understanding Dyslexia

Dyslexia is a common learning disorder that affects a person’s ability to read, write, and spell. Newsom discussed his struggles with dyslexia in his memoir, “Young Man in a Hurry,” and in a February interview with CNN, describing it as a “superpower” that fostered resilience and a strong work ethic. HuffPost noted that roughly 20% of the American population has been diagnosed with dyslexia.

Experts emphasize that dyslexia is not linked to intelligence. Michelle Qazi, president of the Academic Language Therapy Association (ALTA), told HuffPost that individuals with dyslexia often have high IQ scores. “That is absolutely inaccurate,” Qazi said about the claim that dyslexia equates to a “low-IQ.”

Historical Context and Previous Criticism

Trump’s attacks on Newsom are part of a long-running feud between the two politicians, encompassing issues such as immigration enforcement and California wildfires. However, the focus on Newsom’s dyslexia marks a new, and arguably more controversial, dimension to their rivalry. Trump has faced criticism in the past for mocking a reporter with a disability during his 2015 presidential campaign.

Looking Ahead

Trump’s comments have sparked a national debate about the appropriateness of scrutinizing a candidate’s personal challenges, particularly those related to learning disabilities. As the 2028 presidential election cycle approaches, this issue is likely to remain a point of contention, raising questions about inclusivity and the qualities Americans seek in their leaders.