Trump says Hillary Clinton has 'much higher IQ' than Kamala Harris at North Carolina rally

ROCKY POINT, NORTH CAROLINA: President Donald Trump claimed at a campaign rally in North Carolina on Friday, December 19, that former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has a higher IQ than former Vice President Kamala Harris.

This statement caught attention because the POTUS compared two of his Democratic rivals. Trump made these remarks to a cheering crowd and also shared a humorous moment where he almost used "the B-word" to describe Clinton, but chose not to.

Trump compares his 2016 and 2024 victories

Addressing supporters, Trump asked, “What was better? 2016 or 2024? Tell me. I don't know. 2016 was pretty monumental.” He added, “Beating Hillary was fun.”

Trump has often mentioned his past victories and compared himself to his current political opponents. He has also criticized the Joe Biden administration’s record, particularly on the economy and immigration.

At one point, the Republican leader shifted to comparing the intelligence of two Democrats.

“Well, Hillary has a much higher IQ than Kamala. I would say... I think Hillary has probably 50 or 60 points higher,” he remarked. 

He offered no evidence for the comparison, and there is no public record of either Clinton’s or Harris’ IQ scores.

President Donald Trump and former Vice President Kamala Harris debate for the first time during the presidential election campaign at The National Constitution Center on September 10, 2024, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

Such comments are consistent with Trump’s long-standing style of political attacks and sharp personal criticism of his opponents. Supporters at the Rocky Point rally responded enthusiastically to Trump’s comments, with laughter and applause throughout his speech.

Friday's rally was part of a series of stops the POTUS plans to make across the country ahead of the 2026 midterms to tout his second administration’s achievements. 

Trump won't call Hillary Clinton the 'B-word' as Melania would not approve

During the rally, the POTUS also said he had considered using a stronger term but stopped himself, adding that Melania Trump would not approve.

“Now, Hillary was smart. She was nasty. I wouldn't want to go home to her. She was nasty,” he remarked. “Remember? Remember, she was a nasty person. I was going to use the B-word. I said... My wife would not be happy.”

Clinton and Trump’s rivalry goes back to the 2016 election, considered one of the most heated in recent US history.

Trump’s unexpected win over Clinton, the Democratic nominee and former secretary of state, is a key moment in his political career. Clinton has mostly avoided Trump’s campaign events but sometimes replies to his remarks on social media or in interviews with news organizations.