Former President Donald Trump has a long history of using the phrase 'low IQ' to insult political opponents, journalists, and critics. According to a 2020 analysis by NBC News, Trump used the term over 200 times in his first term alone, often targeting figures like Joe Biden, Barack Obama, and various media personalities.
Critics argue that this language, combined with racially charged remarks such as questioning the intelligence of Black and Hispanic individuals, reflects a broader pattern of racial obsession in right-wing politics. For example, Trump's 2019 tweet telling four Democratic congresswomen of color to 'go back' to their countries was widely condemned as racist.
Research from the Southern Poverty Law Center and other organizations has documented a rise in white nationalist rhetoric in political campaigns since 2016, with Trump's rhetoric often cited as a catalyst. However, Trump and his supporters deny any racist intent, framing his insults as blunt but fair criticism.
As of 2026, the impact of such language on political polarization remains a subject of debate among scholars, with some studies linking it to increased hate crimes and others emphasizing free speech protections.
