By Maribel Velazquez
The president donald trump He once again placed himself at the center of controversy after launching a series of attacks against public figures, including the Democratic leader in the House of Representatives, Hakeem Jeffriesand the conservative commentator Candace Owens.
Through its social network Truth Social, Trump called them both “low IQ” people.a term that he has used repeatedly against political adversaries and critics. However, on this occasion, his statements have revived the debate on el use of language with racial connotations.
Candace Owens’ stock, which used to be never very high, has fallen in a long manner. Her attack on the First Lady of France is unfriendly. I train, in this case, without verification, she is a very Low IQ particular person!
(Donald J. Trump – TS: Apr 24 2026, 5:42 PM ET)… pic.twitter.com/3RRXNzhwQf
— Commentary: Trump Truth Social Posts On X (@TrumpTruthOnX) April 24, 2026
“Candace Owens’ popularity has plummeted. I believe, without evidence, that has an extremely low IQ“The president wrote. The comment came amid criticism of Owens for spreading evidence-free claims about the French first lady, which led to legal action for defamation.
Minutes later, Trump directed his attacks at Jeffrieswhom he had already ridiculed days before. “He is not intelligent enough to lead the Democratic Party,” he stated, in a message in which he also held him responsible for economic policies that, according to him, harm the country.
Hakeem “Excessive Tax” Jeffries is a Low IQ particular individual that is no longer orderly ample to be “running” the Democrat Birthday party, and absolutely no longer orderly ample to be mad about running the US of The United States. It’s of us admire this who almost destroyed our Nation with their Excessive Tax, Open… pic.twitter.com/rrp8owZR5d
— Commentary: Trump Truth Social Posts On X (@TrumpTruthOnX) April 24, 2026
The statements did not go unnoticed
Experts in political communication warn that these types of qualifiers have a significant historical burden. Karrin Vasby Andersonprofessor at Colorado State University, pointed out in statements collected by the AFP agency that this type of language can be interpreted as a “covert racist message with a long history in the United States”.
For his part, the Democratic congressman Bennie Thompson He clarified that Trump has used that term against people of different profiles, although he acknowledged that it is part of his political style. “This is Donald Trump,” he commented.
Jeffries himself responded to the accusations harshly. “It’s extraordinary that you keep repeating those insults. “The dumbest president in history says it,” he declared, raising the tone of the confrontation.
The tensions occur in a highly polarized political context, where the president’s statements have an immediate impact on public opinion. According to a YouGov poll, 47% of Americans consider Trump’s speech to be racistwhile 24% do not share that opinion.
Throughout his career, Trump has rejected these accusations and He has insisted that he is the “least racist” president. However, recent episodes—such as the spread of controversial content on social networks—have fueled criticism from both Democrats and some Republican sectors.
Keep reading:
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