Trump’s ‘Low IQ’ Remark on Justice Jackson Sparks Racism Criticism

WASHINGTON, DC — President Donald Trump drew backlash after calling Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson a “low IQ person” in a social media post, a phrase critics say carries a long history of targeting Black Americans and women in public life.

The comment followed Jackson’s criticism of the Supreme Court’s conservative majority. Trump has used the same insult against several political opponents, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Vice President Kamala Harris.

Scholars and analysts say the phrase has roots in pseudoscientific claims historically used to justify racial hierarchies. Communication experts note that labeling Black public figures as intellectually inferior has been a recurring tactic, particularly when applied disproportionately to minorities and women.

Karrin Vasby Anderson, a communications professor, described the language as a “racist dog whistle,” arguing it allows the speaker to maintain plausible deniability while reinforcing harmful stereotypes.

Jeffries responded to Trump’s remarks by calling him the “dumbest person ever to sit” in the White House, escalating the rhetoric between political figures.

Psychologists also note that IQ as a concept is often overstated and only loosely correlated with real-world outcomes, adding that such insults rely more on perception than measurable fact.

The exchange underscores continuing tensions between Trump and members of the judiciary, as well as broader concerns about the tone of political discourse.

Sources:

• Forbes – MBFC Rating