Trump Mocks Newsom’s Dyslexia, Questions Presidential Fitness

The ongoing political tension between the White House and Sacramento has taken a personal turn this week. During a scheduled executive order signing in the Oval Office on Monday, March 16th, Donald Trump shifted focus from federal fraud prevention to mock Governor Gavin Newsom’s recent candid remarks about his educational background and dyslexia.

Newsom’s Comments and Trump’s Response

The confrontation followed Newsom’s transparent discussion about his upbringing and learning differences while promoting his new book, “Young Man in a Hurry.” During a recent event in Atlanta, the Governor shared his modest SAT scores and spoke openly about his struggle with reading, stating, “I’m not trying to impress you. I’m just trying to impress upon you. I’m like you. I’m no better than you. You know, I’m a 960 SAT guy.”

Trump, 79, seized upon these details to question the qualifications of the 58-year-old Governor for a potential 2028 presidential run. Addressing reporters, Trump directly attacked Newsom’s cognitive abilities, saying, “With a low IQ person, you know, because Gavin ‘Newscum’ has admitted that he is a– that he has learning disabilities. Honestly I am all for people with learning disabilities, but not for my president. I don’t want– I think a president should not have learning disabilities. Okay?”

Mocking Learning Disabilities and Presidential Fitness

Trump further elaborated on his stance, acknowledging the controversial nature of his remarks. “I know it’s highly controversial to say such a horrible thing. The president of the United States. Gavin ‘Newscum’ admitted that he has learning disabilities, dyslexia, uh, everything about him is dumb,” he stated. This statement drew a sharp, all-caps response from Newsom’s official X account, mirroring Trump’s style.

Newsom’s original comments were intended to illustrate how he has navigated a successful political career despite his learning differences. He explained to the audience in Atlanta that his dyslexia prevents him from reading traditional scripts during public appearances, adding, “And, you know, and I’m not trying to offend anyone, you know, trying to act all there if you got 940. But literally a 960 SAT guy. I cannot– You’ve never seen me read a speech because I cannot read a speech.”

A Combative Presidential Cycle Ahead

With Newsom widely viewed as a frontrunner for the 2028 Democratic nomination, these insults from the Oval Office signal an increasingly combative presidential cycle. The exchange has already prompted responses from the Governor’s camp, indicating that the political battle between these two figures is far from over. Trump’s tactic of attacking perceived weaknesses, such as “Lyin’ Ted” for Ted Cruz and “Little Marco” for Marco Rubio during the 2016 primary, suggests a pattern of targeting opponents he views as vulnerable or threatening.