Trump Refers to California Governor Newsom as ‘President’ During Speech

In a startling exchange during a March 16, 2026, White House news conference, President Donald Trump referred to California Governor Gavin Newsom as “the president of the United States, Gavin Newscum,” sparking immediate controversy and raising questions about the intent behind his remarks.

The comment came during a segment where Trump was discussing mail-in ballots and voter identification laws before launching into a critique of Newsom. “With a low-IQ person, you know, because Gavin Newscum has admitted that he has learning disabilities,” Trump stated during the nationally televised event. “Honestly, I’m all for people with learning disabilities, but not for my president. I don’t want — I think a president should not have learning disabilities.”

Trump continued, “The president of the United States, Gavin Newscum, admitted that he has learning disabilities, dyslexia. Everything about him is dumb.”

When contacted by reporters, White House spokesperson Davis Ingle confirmed Trump’s “Newscum” characterization but declined to clarify whether the president misspoke, was being sarcastic, or was referring hypothetically to a future scenario where Newsom might become president. Newsom has previously indicated interest in a possible 2028 presidential run.

“President Trump is right. Gavin Newscum is the worst governor in America, and he also may be the dumbest,” Ingle told Snopes, offering no further explanation regarding Trump’s reference to Newsom as president.

The exchange highlights the ongoing contentious relationship between Trump and Newsom, who has been one of the president’s most vocal critics on the national stage. The California governor has frequently challenged Trump’s policies, particularly on immigration, climate change, and federal support for his state.

Trump’s comments appeared to reference a recent book event in Atlanta where Newsom faced criticism for telling a predominantly Black audience that he was “like them” while describing himself as a “960 SAT guy” who “cannot read a speech.” The remarks sparked backlash, with many accusing the governor of condescension toward Black audiences.

Newsom, who has openly discussed his dyslexia for decades, responded to Trump’s comments on social media platform X, writing: “To every kid with a learning disability: don’t let anyone — not even the President of the United States — bully you. Dyslexia isn’t a weakness. It’s your strength.”

His press office took a more combative stance, posting: “The media needs to start reporting on Donald Trump’s mental decline. This is serious.” The office later shared a tongue-in-cheek response: “NOW THAT I, GAVIN C. NEWSOM, AM OFFICIALLY PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES (THANK YOU DONALD!), I HAVE MANY BIG ANNOUNCEMENTS TO MAKE!”

Dyslexia advocacy groups have noted that Newsom has been forthcoming about his learning disability throughout his political career. The governor has previously spoken about struggling with reading in school and how his experiences shaped his perspective on education and inclusion.

The incident marks another chapter in the increasingly heated political rhetoric leading up to the 2026 midterm elections, in which both parties are jockeying for advantage. Political analysts suggest that Trump’s comments may be strategic, potentially testing messaging for future campaign efforts against Newsom, who represents the progressive policies of California that often serve as foils in conservative rhetoric.

The full news conference was streamed live by MS NOW, with Trump’s comments about Newsom appearing approximately 45 minutes into the broadcast. The video has since circulated widely across social media platforms, with supporters and critics of both politicians offering varied interpretations of the president’s meaning.

This exchange comes amid an already tense political climate, with partisan divisions continuing to deepen across the country and public discourse increasingly marked by personal attacks rather than policy debates.