In brief
Donald Trump has provoked outrage by asserting that individuals with learning disabilities should not be presidents, mocking California Governor Gavin Newsom over his dyslexia. The National Center for Learning Disabilities condemned Trump's remarks, highlighting that dyslexia affects a significant portion of the American population and does not correlate with a lack of intelligence or leadership capability. Newsom defended himself against Trump's attacks, and the exchange has reignited discussions about misconceptions surrounding learning disabilities.
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 and made fun of his difficulty with reading and spelling. Newsom responded by calling Trump a brain-dead moron.
The National Center for Learning Disabilities expressed its disturbance and condemnation of Trump's remarks.
Dyslexia, which disrupts how the brain processes written language, affects approximately one in five Americans.
Trump remarked, With a low IQ person, you know, because Gavin Newscum has admitted that he is a, that he has learning disabilities. He added, 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?
Newsom fired back with humor, referring to Trump's apparent slip when he mistakenly called him president, stating, NO THANK YOU, WE BELIEVE IN FREE ELECTIONS!.
During a previous conversation, Newsom discussed his dyslexia openly, revealing his struggles with reading and exam results.
Trump accused Newsom of racism and shared derogatory comments about Newsom’s abilities on social media.
The National Center for Learning Disabilities CEO addressed Trump's comments, clarifying that dyslexia does not determine intelligence or leadership effectiveness and mentioning that numerous past presidents may have had learning disabilities.
