Trump's 'Low IQ' Rhetoric: A Pattern of Racist Language or Just Insults?

In a recent analysis, Donald Trump’s repeated use of the phrase “low IQ” has come under scrutiny, with data suggesting a disproportionate focus on Black individuals and communities. This pattern has reignited debates about whether his rhetoric reflects racial bias.

This investigation stems from a version of the article originally published in David Corn’s newsletter, Our Land. The newsletter, which releases twice weekly, offers behind-the-scenes political, media, and cultural insights. Subscriptions cost $5 per month, though a free 30-day trial is available.

Last month, MAGA figures including Tucker Carlson, Megyn Kelly, Candace Owens, and Joe Kent criticized Trump’s impulsive threats regarding Iran and his vow to destroy its “whole civilization.” Trump responded by labeling the group as “low IQ”—a rare instance where three of the four critics were white. This incident underscores a broader pattern: Trump has frequently used the “low IQ” insult against Black individuals, a tendency noted by critics who argue it reflects racial bias.

Beyond this rhetoric, Trump’s history includes multiple controversies tied to racism:

• In the 1970s, his family’s real estate business was sued by the Justice Department for racial discrimination.
• He exploited the racially charged case of the Central Park Five in 1989, when five Black and Latino teenagers were wrongfully convicted of raping a jogger.
• He promoted the racist birther conspiracy falsely claiming Barack Obama was not born in the U.S.
• Former colleagues on The Apprentice reported he used racial slurs, including the n-word.
• He referred to Haiti, El Salvador, and African nations as “shithole countries”.
• He told four Democratic congresswomen of color to “go back” to their home countries.
• He characterized Mexican immigrants as “criminals and rapists”.
• During the 2020 presidential debate, he refused to condemn white supremacists.
• He appointed officials with ties to racist groups and shared a video depicting the Obamas as apes.

Trump has also targeted DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives and criticized “wokeness,” while his administration’s hiring practices reflect a stark racial imbalance. As of the 300-day mark of his current term, 91% of his confirmed appointees were white, compared to 61% under President Biden. (About 60% of the U.S. population is white.) A photo of his U.S. attorneys, shared by @patriottakes2.0 on Threads, highlights the lack of diversity: “Look, there’s one brown guy! And only a handful of gals.”

To assess whether Trump’s “low IQ” insults are racially motivated, a research director (who requested anonymity) analyzed his social media posts and public statements. The findings confirm a troubling pattern:

• Since April 10, Trump has posted nine Truth Social messages using the “low IQ” label. Six of these targeted Black individuals.
• Over the past four years (ending April 10), Trump has used “low IQ” at least 50 times, with 60% of these references involving Black people or communities.

While some argue Trump’s insults may simply reflect a general tendency to disparage critics, the data suggests a clear racial dimension to his rhetoric. Critics contend that his repeated targeting of Black individuals with demeaning language reinforces long-standing concerns about his attitudes toward race.