Dyslexic MP demands 'sincere apology' from Trump

A Somerset MP has called for a "sincere apology" after US President Donald Trump said people with learning disabilities should not be president.

President Trump's taunting remarks were aimed at California Governor Gavin Newsom, who has dyslexia. Trump also said Newsom, a potential Democratic presidential candidate, was "dumb" and made fun of his difficulty with reading and spelling.

Yeovil MP Adam Dance, who is dyslexic himself, said the comments were "deeply troubling, offensive and completely out of step with reality" and Trump owesthe "dyslexic community a sincere apology".

The White House doubled down on its criticism of Gavin Newsom when approached for comment by the BBC.

Dyslexia, a learning condition that disrupts how the brain processes written language, is believed to affect around 10% of the population, according to the British Dyslexia Association.

Trump told reporters in the Oval Office on Monday that Newsom "has admitted that he has learning disabilities, dyslexia".

"Honestly, I'm all for people with learning disabilities, but not for my president," he said.

"I don't want, I think a president should not have learning disabilities, OK? And I know it's highly controversial to say such a horrible thing."

Dance, who is the MP for Yeovil, in Somerset, was diagnosed with severe dyslexia at the age of seven.

In September, he introduced a bill calling for universal screening for neurodivergent traits in primary schools, alongside campaigning for better teacher training and more consistent support for children with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disability).

He said dyslexia "does not limit someone's ability to lead or serve the public".

"For a president to speak in this way is deeply disappointing," he said.

"People should be judged on their ability and contribution, not dismissed because of how their brain works."

He said Trump owes "Governor Newsom and the wider dyslexic community a sincere apology".

"We must challenge this kind of discriminatory rhetoric wherever we see it," he said.

"I would urge colleagues across politics to stand together in rejecting this harmful and, quite frankly, cruel stigma."

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