Some of the harshest words that President Donald Trump has used against a leading Democratic rival aren't about political differences but rather a learning disability. Trump's insults geared toward California Gov. Gavin Newsom's struggle with dyslexia are stirring anguish and anger from the president's supporters and critics. Advocates for people with dyslexia are concerned Trump's comments perpetuate a myth about dyslexia. Trump has called the governor “stupid,” “low IQ,” “mentally disabled” and unfit to become president. Dyslexia affects the link between the brain and printed language, and a large body of research has found that dyslexia and IQ are unrelated.

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Lauryn Muller sits at her home Monday, April 13, 2026, in Coral Springs, Fla. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

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FILE - Governor Gavin Newsom speaks at a news conference in Hayward, Calif., March 2, 2026. (Jessica Christian/San Francisco Chronicle via AP, File)

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Lauryn Muller sits with her mother, Marylin, at their home Monday, April 13, 2026, in Coral Springs, Fla. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)