Gavin Newsom hits back at Trump over dyslexia attack: ‘Not even the president decides your worth’

Gavin Newsom wrote that bullies may mock and label others, but their words should not define anyone’s value
PUBLISHED MAR 27, 2026
Gavin Newsom pushed back strongly after President Donald Trump criticized his dyslexia and questioned his competence (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes, File)
Gavin Newsom pushed back strongly after President Donald Trump criticized his dyslexia and questioned his competence (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes, File)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Governor Gavin Newsom on Thursday, March 26, fired back at President Donald Trump after the president criticized his dyslexia during an interview with Fox News. The Governor stated that "no one — not even the president — decides your worth."

President Trump shared his thoughts on the governor's performance when Jesse Watters asked him about the political future of Democratic leaders.



Gavin Newsom’s reaction to Donald Trump's critique

Governor Newsom, who has often spoken about his struggle with dyslexia, posted a message to others with the same condition.

"If you have dyslexia, hear this: bullies will laugh and call you names. Let them talk. Keep moving," Newsom wrote. 

He encouraged people to stay focused and "prove them wrong. Every time."

By stating that "no one — not even the President — decides your worth," Newsom sought to show resilience. 

Governor Gavin Newsom speaks about the sexual assault allegations against Cesar Chavez during a press conference at San Lorenzo High School, Wednesday, March 18, 2026, in San Lorenzo, Calif. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
Governor Gavin Newsom speaks about the sexual assault allegations against Cesar Chavez during a press conference at San Lorenzo High School, Wednesday, March 18, 2026, in San Lorenzo, Calif (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

Donald Trump evaluates Gavin Newsom’s performance

The discussion started on ‘The Five’ when host Jesse Watters asked Trump, "Who do you think is gonna rise to the top, Newsom or Harris?" 

President Trump pointed to a recent interview Newsom gave as evidence of his concerns.

"Well, first of all, he said he can't read. Okay? You know, he did an interview... it was maybe the worst interview for a professional politician that I've ever seen," Trump said.

The president noted that Newsom’s own comments about his abilities were surprising for someone in his position. 

"He said he's mentally incompetent. He can't read a speech. He said things about his brain, he's got bad board scores. He's got bad this," Trump stated. 

He added, “And then he looked at the room, and he said something to the effect that, uh, I'm dumb, just like all you people. And he ends up being called a racist because of that statement.

"This was the worst interview, but he admitted that he was a stupid person. And we don't want a stupid person as president," Trump remarked.

President Donald Trump speaks during a Cabinet meeting at the White House, Thursday, March 26, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
President Donald Trump speaks during a Cabinet meeting at the White House, Thursday, March 26, 2026, in Washington (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Trump notes changes in Gavin Newsom’s appearance and fitness

President Trump also commented on Newsom’s physical presence and how he has changed. 

"And if you watch him with the hands and everything else, there's something wrong with the guy," the president observed. 

Trump suggested that the governor is not as sharp as he once was. "He's a nice looking guy, but he's losing the look. He's moving it, it happens. It happens. It's all right. He's losing the look, and, you know, we wanted to tell as a person," he said.

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