Trump's Dyslexia Barbs Stir Anguish and Anger

President's insults toward political rival perpetuate myths about learning disability

Apr. 18, 2026 at 11:53am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A solitary, shadowy figure at a desk or podium, bathed in warm, dramatic lighting that creates a contemplative, cinematic mood, conceptually representing the political rhetoric around dyslexia.Trump's use of dyslexia as an insult against a political rival stirs painful emotions and perpetuates harmful stigma around the common learning disability.Washington Today

Some of the harshest words that President Donald Trump has used against a leading Democratic rival, California Gov. Gavin Newsom, aren't about political differences but rather Newsom's learning disability of dyslexia. Trump's insults, which included calling Newsom 'stupid,' 'low IQ,' 'mentally disabled' and unfit to become president, have stirred anguish and anger among those with dyslexia, including 18-year-old Lauryn Muller, who said the comments brought back painful memories of her own struggles learning to read.

Why it matters

Trump's use of dyslexia as an insult perpetuates harmful myths and stigma around the learning disability, which affects an estimated 15-20% of the population. Experts say such rhetoric can discourage those with dyslexia from seeking help and make them feel ashamed of their condition.

The details

In a political feud, Trump has repeatedly mocked Newsom's dyslexia, calling the California governor 'stupid' and 'mentally disabled.' Muller, who also has dyslexia, said the comments brought back painful memories of her own learning challenges and the times she felt something was wrong with her.

  • Trump has made the insults against Newsom in recent weeks as the California governor is expected to run for president in 2028.

The players

President Donald Trump

The current President of the United States and a Republican.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom

The Democratic governor of California who is expected to run for president in 2028.

Lauryn Muller

An 18-year-old who also has dyslexia and was upset by Trump's insults, which brought back painful memories of her own struggles.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It stirred a well of emotion for the 18-year-old Muller, bringing back memories of her own struggles learning to read and the times she felt something was wrong with her.”

— Lauryn Muller

The takeaway

Trump's use of dyslexia as an insult perpetuates harmful myths and stigma around the learning disability, which affects a significant portion of the population. Such rhetoric can discourage those with dyslexia from seeking help and make them feel ashamed of their condition.