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 stated Newsom, a potential Democratic White House contender, was dumb. He previously mocked Newsom's reading and spelling difficulties, prompting Newsom to label him a brain-dead moron.
The National Center for Learning Disabilities expressed its disapproval of Trump's remarks, stating they were disturbed by and strongly condemn the former president's comments. Dyslexia, a condition affecting how written language is processed by the brain, impacts approximately one in five Americans.
With a low IQ person, you know, because Gavin Newscum has admitted that he is, that he has learning disabilities, Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. 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.
Trump's remarks led to further exchanges, with Newsom responding on social media, reminding Trump of their recent conversation where he discussed his own dyslexia: I'm like you... You've never seen me read a speech, because I cannot read a speech. Acknowledging his challenges in front of a predominantly Black audience, Newsom faced accusations of condescension from conservative commentators.
Newsom defended himself against Trump's claims, stating: I spoke about my dyslexia. I know that's hard for a brain-dead moron who bombs children and protects pedophiles to understand. Trump's response included accusations of racism, and he also criticized Newsom's cognitive abilities on Truth Social.
The National Center for Learning Disabilities clarified that dyslexia does not hinder intelligence or leadership capabilities, highlighting that many individuals with learning disabilities have occupied high political offices in the U.S. Historical figures, including George Washington and John F. Kennedy, are speculated to have had dyslexia, reinforcing the notion that leadership qualities extend beyond cognitive challenges.
