Trump mocks Newsom with ‘cognitive deficiency’ jab over dyslexia; governor fires back ‘too late’

HEBRON, KENTUCKY: President Donald Trump aimed at California Governor Gavin Newsom during a rally in Hebron, Kentucky, launching a personal attack on his political rival.

Trump claimed that Gavin Newsom has a “mental problem” and mocked him by referring to a “cognitive deficiency.” He suggested that the California governor struggles to read or speak properly and questioned his intelligence. Trump added that someone like Newsom could not handle the role of president of the United States.

Following the remarks, Newsom hit back at the comment and criticized Trump for joking about dyslexia. He said it was “too late” for Trump to make such remarks.

Trump hits Newsom with dyslexia joke at Kentucky rally

The war of words between Donald Trump and Gavin Newsom flared up again during an open rally in Kentucky, where the president delivered a fresh round of attacks on the California governor.

At the rally, Trump targeted Newsom, who is often viewed as a potential 2028 White House contender. Trump accused him of being unfit for the Oval Office, claiming the governor has “mental problems.” Using his nickname “Gavin Newscum,” Trump told the crowd that the California leader had “admitted he has mental problems, that he’s not a smart person.”

“He’s unable to read a speech, he can’t read, and all of the other things he said. He said he has a lot of mental problems,” Trump continued during the speech.

Trump’s comments were linked to Newsom’s earlier admission about his struggle with dyslexia. In his memoir, Young Man in a Hurry, Newsom wrote about living with the disability, which affects reading and language processing.

Referring to that, Trump said, “Nothing’s wrong with it, but I don’t want the president of the United States to have a cognitive deficiency.” He also added, “When he admitted this, I said, I think he just lost the Democrat nomination.”

Gavin Newsom hits back at Trump, says ‘too late'

Newsom quickly responded after Trump mocked him with a dyslexia-related remark during a Kentucky rally. Newsom, known for responding directly to criticism, did not stay silent. Soon after the video of Trump’s speech began circulating online, the governor shared the same clip on X.

Along with the video, he quoted Trump’s words, “I don't want the president of the United States to have a cognitive deficiency,” and replied with a brief comment: “too late.”

For those unaware, Newsom’s name has frequently come up as a possible Democratic candidate for the 2028 presidential race. In a recent interview with CBS News, the governor said he is considering a run for the White House after the 2026 midterm elections. However, he added that the final decision will depend largely on discussions with his family.