Trump Slams Newsom Over Dyslexia Remarks

Former president calls California governor's comments a "politically suicidal act"

Mar. 12, 2026 at 2:12am

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Former President Donald Trump harshly criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom for recent remarks he made about his lifelong struggle with dyslexia, calling it a "politically suicidal act" that could derail Newsom's potential 2028 presidential bid.

Why it matters

The clash underscores Newsom's growing national profile ahead of a widely anticipated 2028 presidential bid and highlights continued friction between the California governor and Trump's political movement over culture-war issues.

The details

Newsom discussed his dyslexia and low SAT scores while speaking with Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens at an event in February. Critics, including Trump, accused Newsom of making racist remarks, but Dickens defended the governor, saying the conversation provided important context about Newsom's personal journey. Trump has continued to attack Newsom over the comments, saying the governor admitted to having a "cognitive deficiency" that would make him unfit to be president.

  • In February, Newsom discussed his dyslexia and SAT scores during an event in Atlanta.
  • On March 12, 2026, Trump criticized Newsom's remarks on Truth Social and during a stop in Kentucky.

The players

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States who has been a vocal critic of Newsom.

Gavin Newsom

The Democratic governor of California who is rumored to be considering a 2028 presidential run.

Andre Dickens

The mayor of Atlanta who interviewed Newsom at the event where he discussed his dyslexia.

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What they’re saying

“Gavin Newscum's interview weeks ago was, perhaps, the most self destructive interview I've ever seen. In one fell swoop, he took himself out of even being considered as the Presidential Nominee of the Crazy (as proven at the State of the Union Address) Democrats. He said, in a speech, he was dumb, had low Boards, can't read, has dyslexia, and has a mental disorder — A Cognitive Mess!”

— Donald Trump (Truth Social)

“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 (X)

“Take it from someone who was actually in the chair asking the questions: context matters more than a headline. The conversation around his new book included him speaking about his own academic struggles, including not doing well on the SAT. That wasn't an attack on anyone. It was a moment of vulnerability about his own journey.”

— Andre Dickens, Mayor of Atlanta (Instagram)

What’s next

It is immediately unknown if Newsom will announce his bid to run in the 2028 presidential election. Candidates usually make announcements after midterm election cycles.

The takeaway

This clash highlights the ongoing political tensions between Trump and Newsom, as well as the challenges politicians can face when discussing personal struggles like dyslexia in a polarized political climate.