Donald Trump's IQ: Claims, Tests, & Controversies

05 May, 2025

Is the intellect of a former U.S. President a matter of public record, or is it shrouded in speculation and conflicting reports? The enigma surrounding Donald Trump's IQ has sparked a persistent debate, with claims ranging from exceptional genius to levels that raise serious questions about cognitive ability.

The subject of Donald Trump's intelligence has been a recurring theme, with the former president himself frequently injecting it into public discourse. From casual boasts about superior intellect to pointed comparisons with his political rivals, Mr. Trump has consistently used IQ as a tool in his rhetorical arsenal. This habit has, unsurprisingly, fueled a continuous cycle of scrutiny and speculation.

Adding to the intrigue, documents purportedly revealing the results of an IQ test taken by Trump during his time at the New York Military Academy have surfaced. These documents, allegedly discovered in a former employee's closet, list a score of 73. This figure, if accurate, would place him significantly below the average IQ and would be categorized as a score indicating intellectual disabilities.

Conversely, other reports have suggested that Trump possesses a much higher IQ. Some estimates place his score as high as 156, suggesting he belongs to the top 0.000094330724% of the population. Furthermore, in 2016, Mensa International, an organization for individuals with high IQs, revealed that Trump had taken their test and performed within the top 2%.

These drastically different claims create a complex picture. The truth regarding Trump's IQ remains elusive, as he has not publicly released his score. However, the frequent discussions surrounding his intelligence serve to highlight the intricate interplay between perception, personality, and the public's understanding of leadership.

Here is a concise overview of available information about Donald Trump, incorporating available details:

Category	Details
Full Name	Donald John Trump
Date of Birth	June 14, 1946
Place of Birth	Queens, New York City, New York, USA
Parents	Fred Trump and Mary MacLeod Trump
Education	New York Military Academy Fordham University (attended for two years) University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School of Finance (B.S. in Economics)
Political Affiliation	Republican Party
Political Positions Held	45th President of the United States (2017-2021)
Business Career Highlights	Chairman and President of The Trump Organization (Real Estate) Owner of various golf courses, hotels, and other properties worldwide Television personality (The Apprentice)
IQ (Reported/Estimated)	No official score released. Estimates vary wildly: Some reports of 73 (unverified). Some estimates in the 145 range Other Claims: 156
Books Authored	The Art of the Deal Crippled America Great Again: How to Fix Our Crippled America Time to Get Tough: Make America Great Again Think Like a Billionaire: Everything You Need to Know to Succeed in Business
Website	Official Website

The controversy regarding Donald Trump's IQ isn't a recent development. Long before his presidency, the subject occasionally surfaced, though it gained far more traction during his time in the White House. His use of the term "very stable genius" to describe himself amplified the public's fascination.

The purported discovery of the 73 IQ test results, allegedly found in a closet in Brooklyn, has become a significant piece of the narrative. While the authenticity of this document remains unverified, the number has been widely circulated and used by critics as a means of questioning his cognitive abilities. If accurate, a score of 73 would be considered in the range of intellectual disability, sparking debate about fitness for office.

On the other hand, those supporting Trump sometimes point to his business successes and strategic thinking as evidence of a high level of intelligence. His ability to build a real estate empire and effectively utilize media is cited as proof of his strategic prowess. A graduation from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, though not proof of a high IQ, is frequently cited as a marker of intellectual accomplishment.

Mensa International's confirmation that Trump took their test and scored in the top 2% further complicates the picture. However, Mensa scores are self-reported and do not represent a formal, comprehensive intelligence assessment.

Additionally, it is essential to mention that Angus Penfold, who claims to have an IQ of 147, wrote, in his opinion, "Donald Trumps IQ is above average, but in that 'common sense' sweet spot of 115 to 130." This highlights a common approach to estimating Trump's intellect: trying to put him in a category based on behavior rather than data.

A Canadian historian has argued that the focus on IQ is part of a push for the United States' dominance. The debate has continued to revolve around these claims, adding to the layers of complexity.

The frequency with which Trump addresses the topic of intelligence further reveals the importance he places on his own intellectual image. Discussions around technology and debates of intelligence, often involving disparaging remarks or self-aggrandizement, are common.

The history of IQ testing is complex. Though IQ tests attempt to measure cognitive abilities, they aren't without their limitations. The tests are designed to measure certain types of intelligence, and are not definitive indicators of a persons full cognitive capacity.

It is important to distinguish between established facts and unsubstantiated claims in the discussion about Trump's IQ. While much speculation exists, no definitive proof of his IQ has been released to the public. Although the chart is based on a real study, it is still just an estimation, and there is no way to know what Trump's IQ is.

One of the more striking claims suggests that Trumps IQ is 156, only four points lower than Stephen Hawking's IQ. This claim is extremely difficult to verify and needs to be considered in context.

The debate around Donald Trump's intelligence is unlikely to be fully resolved. His personality, coupled with the contradictory reports and a lack of a verifiable IQ score, will undoubtedly fuel discussions and debates for years to come. The story is a blend of verifiable facts, unconfirmed rumors, and the presidents own contributions to the discourse.

In the end, the questions surrounding Donald Trump's intelligence underscore the importance of reliable information and critical thinking. While the quest for definitive answers may be ongoing, the broader lesson encourages us to weigh evidence carefully and maintain a healthy skepticism in the face of conflicting claims. The focus should be not on the score itself, but on the implications of intelligence claims for political and social life.

The available information paints a multifaceted picture of the former president, one in which the true measure of his intelligence remains a topic of ongoing speculation and debate. Understanding the different perspectives and sources of information is key to formulating your opinion.

The debate regarding the former president's intellectual abilities showcases how individuals use intelligence to assess character and fitness for high office.

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