Public Reaction and Political Controversy WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump perpetuated a lie about dyslexia by making comments about Gavin Newsom that caused distress and rage. Lauryn Muller came across a video of Trump mocking Newsom for having dyslexia while browsing social media. The 18-year-old Muller was moved by it, recalling her own difficulties learning to read and the moments she thought something was wrong with her. Trump referred to Newsom as "mentally disabled," "low IQ," "stupid," and unfit to serve as president. Trump is a Republican and Newsom is a Democrat who is anticipated to compete for president in 2028, so Muller was aware that it was a part of a political rivalry, but Trump's remarks sounded intimate. Muller, an incoming student at Auburn University whose dyslexia was discovered as a youngster, stated, "We've had to overcome so many deficits, and for someone to, on a national stage, say, yeah, they will never be like us – that definitely came as an emotional sting to me."
It was just another instance in Trump's history of making fun of people with disabilities and disparaging the IQ of his opponents. But this time, he was disparaging tens of millions of people, casting doubt on their skills, and undermining years of advancements made in the fight against dyslexia stigma. His comments caused a range of emotions in dyslexics, from distress and rage to dismay. It drew criticism from both supporters and detractors, cutting across political boundaries. Marilyn, Muller's mother, claims to still support Trump's politics after having cast three votes for him. However, she was offended when Trump associated dyslexia with poor intelligence, an antiquated notion that she has worked for years to debunk. Marilyn Muller, a literacy champion in Florida, stated, "It works against everything I do on a daily basis." "I think that was one of the most ignorant things I have ever heard him say."
Comprehending Dyslexia and Dispelling Myths Trump's remarks contradict a substantial amount of evidence that shows there is no connection between dyslexia and IQ. They also run counter to remarks he made during his first term for national awareness months, praising the "extraordinary contributions" of people with dyslexia and pointing out that their ranks include inventors and top business executives. Dyslexia, which is frequently misinterpreted, impairs the connection between the brain and written language, making reading challenging. When children are learning to read and write, dyslexia frequently manifests. Up to 20% of people worldwide are thought to be impacted. When you suddenly don't perform well in school, people will say things like, 'Oh, you're not trying, you're not smart, or whatever, and none of that is true. John Gabrieli of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology stated, "You simply have this difference in that bridge from language to print."
Newsom has talked about his dyslexia for years, including in a recent biography and a children's book he authored in 2021. He discussed memorizing speeches because he can't read them during his most recent book tour. He called it a gift and a struggle, saying it made him learn new talents. Trump took offense with a few of Newsom's remarks. At a Cabinet meeting in March, Trump declared, "He can't read a speech, he can't do almost anything." "In reality, he's a really dumb person." "I think a president should not have learning disabilities," he continued. Trump said it's "highly controversial to say such a horrible thing," acknowledging that he had deviated from protocol. He repeated it at least four more times. The governor's social media posts were cited by Newsom's office, which declined to comment on this article. In one article, Newsom stated that "learning differences don't define your limits, they shape your strengths." "And nobody gets to determine your value, not even the President of the United States."
