‘He’s a dumb guy’: Trump unloads on Jeffries, says he inspired ‘Dumocrats’ nickname

SUFFERN, NEW YORK: President Donald Trump on Friday, May 22, said that House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries inspired his latest nickname for Democrats during a campaign-style rally in New York’s Rockland County. Trump also criticised New York Governor Kathy Hochul during the same appearance. 

The president described Jeffries as a “low IQ person” while recounting how he came up with the term “Dumocrats,” a label he has increasingly used in recent speeches and social media posts. Trump’s remarks came as both parties begin ramping up messaging ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

Trump recounts feud with Hakeem Jeffries

Trump claimed that criticism from Jeffries prompted him to create the nickname. “I was thinking about this character we have in the House, his name is Hakeem Jeffries, and he’s a low IQ person, very low IQ,” Trump told supporters.

“And I watched what he was saying and the horrible things he was saying, and I said, ‘He’s a dumb guy.’ I said, ‘Wait a minute, he’s a Dumocrat.’ That’s how I got the name,” Trump added. He also joked about spelling, “a lot of people don’t know dumb has a ‘b’ in it. Actually, you don’t need it.” He continued, “They are Dumocrats. You know why? Because their policies are dumb.”

Trump’s comments follow a public back-and-forth between the two leaders last month, when Jeffries referred to Trump as “the dumbest president ever” after the president questioned his intelligence. Jeffries had challenged Trump to a public debate, saying, “If Donald Trump wants to debate me anytime, anyplace, in the Oval Office, publicly, on camera, I’d be happy to do it.”

Trump addressed the criticism again during Friday’s speech, saying, “I don’t mind being called a brilliant total tyrant dictator, but I don’t want to be called dumb.” He then repeated claims that he had “aced” multiple cognitive tests administered by doctors.

Trump mocks Hochul as governor responds on X

Trump also slammed New York Governor Kathy Hochul during the event, mocking what he described as frequent phone calls from the Democratic governor seeking federal assistance. “She calls me up a lot,” Trump said before impersonating Hochul asking for help with state matters. “I say, ‘Kathy you’re always killing me, why the hell would I give you?’”

Despite the criticism, Trump added, “I don’t want to say anything negative. She’s a very nice woman. But she’s never going to take you to the promised land, ever.”

Trump also warned the governor about future elections in New York. “Republican wins in Nassau… and you better watch yourself. You better watch yourself, Kathy. Got a race. Got a big race,” he said.

Hochul later responded on X, writing, “I won’t be intimidated by Trump, or any spineless MAGA coward like my opponent Bruce Blakeman. While they’re busy screwing over New Yorkers, I’m fighting like hell to lower costs and protect New Yorkers from his attacks. Game on.”