Full Breakdown
Ted Cruz and Gavin Newsom Clash Over Historical Literacy
2/17/2026, 9:44:36 PM
Background of the Dispute
The recent exchange between Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and California Governor Gavin Newsom centers around comments made by Cruz regarding Newsom's understanding of historical events, particularly the federalization of the National Guard. This conflict escalated when Newsom, who has openly discussed his struggles with dyslexia, interpreted Cruz's remarks as a personal attack on his reading abilities.
Core Event: The Exchange of Accusations
The confrontation began when Cruz referred to Newsom as "historically illiterate" in response to the governor's comments about federalized National Guard troops in California. Newsom had compared the presence of these troops to "secret police" reminiscent of Nazi Germany, claiming it was an unprecedented act of tyranny. Cruz countered this assertion by citing historical precedents, specifically President Dwight D. Eisenhower's federalization of the Arkansas National Guard in 1957 to enforce desegregation.
Cruz emphasized that his term "historically illiterate" was meant to highlight Newsom's lack of knowledge about significant historical events rather than to question his ability to read. He stated, “I didn’t say you couldn’t read, you [clown emoji]. I said you were 'historically illiterate'... because you apparently have no idea that Eisenhower federalized the National Guard to stop Dem governors from defying federal law.”
Official Statements & Responses
In response to Cruz's comments, Newsom expressed that Cruz's remarks were a new low, particularly given his dyslexia. He stated, “Ted Cruz calling a dyslexic person illiterate is a new low, even for him.” This statement was met with criticism from various commentators who argued that Newsom misinterpreted Cruz's words. Some pointed out that equating "historically illiterate" with being functionally illiterate demonstrated a misunderstanding of the term.
Cruz reiterated his position on social media, clarifying that his critique was focused on Newsom's grasp of history, not his reading skills. He highlighted the historical context of federal intervention during the civil rights movement as a relevant example.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics of Newsom's response included conservative commentators who accused him of playing the victim card rather than addressing the historical inaccuracies in his statements. OutKick founder Clay Travis remarked, “He called you ‘historically illiterate,’ which means you don’t know basic history.” Other commentators noted that Newsom's misunderstanding of the term "historically illiterate" reflected poorly on his intellectual capabilities.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While Cruz's assertion about Eisenhower's actions is historically accurate, Newsom's framing of the National Guard's presence as unprecedented raises questions about the context and interpretation of federal military involvement in state affairs. The debate highlights differing perspectives on the role of federal authority in state governance, particularly among Democratic and Republican leaders.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Ted Cruz calling a dyslexic person illiterate is a new low, even for him.” — Gavin Newsom, Governor of California
- “because you apparently have no idea that Eisenhower federalized the national guard to stop Dem governors from defying federal law.” — Ted Cruz, U.S. Senator from Texas
This ongoing exchange between Cruz and Newsom underscores the contentious nature of political discourse in the United States, particularly as both figures position themselves for potential future electoral contests.
