Newsom Fires Back at Trump Over Dyslexia 'Mental Disorder' Claim

California governor responds to former president's social media post criticizing his learning disability

Mar. 12, 2026 at 4:03pm

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California Governor Gavin Newsom (D) strongly rebuked former President Donald Trump after Trump posted on his Truth Social platform that Newsom had called himself 'dumb' and said he had 'dyslexia' and a 'mental disorder.' Newsom defended his openness about having dyslexia, a language-based learning disability, and accused Trump of being a 'brain-dead moron.'

Why it matters

The exchange highlights the ongoing political feud between Newsom and Trump, as well as Newsom's willingness to be transparent about his own struggles with dyslexia, which affects an estimated 15-20% of the population. Newsom's comments also shine a light on the need for greater understanding and acceptance of learning disabilities.

The details

In a Truth Social post, Trump claimed that Newsom had said he was 'dumb,' had 'low Boards,' 'can't read,' has dyslexia, and has a 'mental disorder.' Newsom fired back, saying he had simply spoken about his dyslexia, and accused Trump of being a 'brain-dead moron.' Last month, Newsom had opened up about his dyslexia in a conversation with Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, saying he was 'a 960 SAT guy' who cannot read speeches.

  • On March 12, 2026, Trump posted his comments about Newsom on Truth Social.
  • On the same day, Newsom responded to Trump's post on the social media platform X.

The players

Gavin Newsom

The Democratic governor of California who has been open about his struggles with dyslexia, a language-based learning disability.

Donald Trump

The former Republican president who posted on his Truth Social platform that Newsom had called himself 'dumb' and said he had 'dyslexia' and a 'mental disorder.'

Andre Dickens

The mayor of Atlanta, Georgia, with whom Newsom had a conversation last month about his dyslexia.

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What they’re saying

“I spoke about my dyslexia. I know that's hard for a brain-dead moron who bombs children and protects pedophiles to understand.”

— Gavin Newsom, Governor of California (X)

“I am no better than you. I am a 960 SAT guy. And I'm not trying to offend anyone, [or] act all there if you got 940. But literally a 960 SAT guy. You have never seen me read a speech, because I cannot read a speech.”

— Gavin Newsom, Governor of California (Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens' conversation)

What’s next

The ongoing feud between Newsom and Trump is likely to continue, with both politicians using social media to attack each other. Newsom's openness about his dyslexia may also spur further discussions about learning disabilities and the need for greater understanding and acceptance.

The takeaway

This exchange highlights the political divisions in the U.S., as well as the importance of destigmatizing learning disabilities like dyslexia. Newsom's willingness to be transparent about his own struggles sets an example for others and could help raise awareness and empathy around these issues.