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Trump's Ableist Attack on Newsom Sparks Outrage

3/17/2026

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Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump attacked California Governor Gavin Newsom over his dyslexia, claiming it disqualifies him from the presidency.
Trump referred to Newsom as a low-IQ person.
Newsom described his dyslexia as a “superpower.”
Newsom called Trump a brain-dead moron.
Critics, including the National Center for Learning Disabilities, condemned the remarks as ableist.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump attacked California Governor Gavin Newsom over his dyslexia, claiming it disqualifies him from the presidency.
Trump referred to Newsom as a low-IQ person.
Newsom described his dyslexia as a “superpower.”
Newsom called Trump a brain-dead moron.
Critics, including the National Center for Learning Disabilities, condemned the remarks as ableist.