President Donald Trump reignited controversy this week with fresh personal attacks on two prominent Democratic congresswomen, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) and Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas), accusing them of having “very low IQs” and publicly challenging them to take intelligence tests.
Speaking to reporters Tuesday, Trump stated, “AOC — look, I think she’s very nice. But she’s very low IQ, and we really don’t need low IQ.” The president then added, “Between her and Crockett, we’re gonna give ‘em both an IQ test to see who comes out best. I took a real test at Walter Reed Medical Center and I aced it. Now it’s time for them to take a test.”
The “real test” Trump was referencing? A Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) administered back in April — a diagnostic screening commonly used to detect early signs of dementia, not an intelligence quotient (IQ) test. Trump proudly boasted about scoring a perfect 30/30.
“I took just a lot of different tests, having to do with the heart, having to do with other things,” Trump said. “But I got every answer right.”
But critics were quick to pounce — not just on the bizarre conflation of cognitive screening and IQ evaluation, but on what they called a pattern of Trump using attacks on intelligence against women of color.
Journalist Nick Field commented on X: “Trump conflating a competency test with an IQ test. Also, worth pointing out that Trump is always most obsessed with IQ when he’s talking about women of color.”
One viral post read: “Omg. He didn’t just call his cognitive test an IQ test!” Another user wrote: “AOC graduated cum laude with dual-degrees in economics and international relations. Crockett has a law degree and passed the bar. Calling them low IQ is laughable.”
Critics also noted that Trump has never publicly taken a verified IQ test, and his claims about intelligence have long been met with skepticism, especially given his past confusion between basic medical evaluations and more sophisticated metrics.
The MoCA exam, often jokingly referred to as the “elephant test” due to its rudimentary memory questions, is widely viewed by neurologists as a useful screening tool — not a measure of intelligence.
This isn’t the first time Trump has resorted to insults implying low intelligence. In the past, he has made similar jabs at journalists, political rivals, and entire groups — frequently women and people of color. His remarks about Ocasio-Cortez, in particular, have become a near-obsessive theme in his public statements and Truth Social posts.
Trump’s comments sparked renewed outrage among Democrats and progressive groups.
“Trump’s obsession with these women is pathological,” said one senior Democratic aide. “He’s threatened their citizenship, mocked their appearance, and now he’s challenging their IQ — all while confusing dementia screenings for brain power. It’s pathetic.”
Meanwhile, both Ocasio-Cortez and Crockett have yet to directly respond, though allies have rallied to their defense. Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-N.Y.) tweeted, “Two women with degrees, dignity, and the guts to call out fascism — and Trump’s threatened. That’s all this is.”
The timing of Trump’s remarks also raised eyebrows, coming amid growing political fallout from his mishandling of Epstein-related press questions and recent pushback over ICE raids targeting children. Analysts believe he is lashing out to distract from negative press coverage and to solidify support among his base by targeting progressive figures.
“There’s a pattern here,” said political analyst Renee Graham. “Whenever Trump feels cornered or diminished, he lashes out — especially at women of color. He’s trying to turn racism and misogyny into campaign fuel.”
Despite the backlash, Trump doubled down on Truth Social later that evening, writing, “The Radical Left’s FAVORITE reps can’t pass basic cognitive tests! I’ve taken more tests than any president ever — and scored perfect!”
As of now, there is no indication that Reps. Ocasio-Cortez or Crockett will dignify Trump’s provocation with a response. But the backlash online — and the quiet fury within Democratic circles — suggests this won’t be the last time Trump’s words come back to haunt him.
And for a man so obsessed with IQ, critics are now asking: Why does he keep proving the opposite?
