Donald Trump's IQ has been a hot topic for years, sparked mostly by his own frequent claims of possessing a "very high" intelligence. Whether you're a political enthusiast, a trivia buff, or just curious about the man who dominated headlines for so long, the question "what is Trump's IQ?" keeps popping up. But where does this idea come from? Is there any real evidence behind it? Or is it all just part of the larger-than-life persona he's built over decades?

Trump has never officially released his IQ score, yet he's referenced it often — sometimes even comparing himself to others in his administration. In 2019, a supposed document from his time at the New York Military Academy surfaced, claiming his IQ was 73. That number, if accurate, would place him below average on standard IQ scales, which is why many people were quick to question its validity.

On the flip side, some supporters argue he's a genius based on his business acumen and political success. Others suggest that IQ isn’t the best measure of his abilities. So, what's the real story here? Let’s dive into what’s known, what’s speculated, and what experts actually say about Donald Trump's intelligence quotient.

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Table of Contents

• Donald Trump: A Quick Bio
• The IQ Debate: What Do We Know?
• Where Did the 73 IQ Claim Come From?
• What Do Experts Say About IQ?
• How the Public Sees Intelligence and Leadership
• Frequently Asked Questions

Donald Trump: A Quick Bio

Donald Trump rose to fame as a real estate mogul and later became a household name through his reality TV show, “The Apprentice.” In 2016, he shocked the world by winning the U.S. presidency as a political outsider, a role that kept him in the spotlight for years. Since leaving office, he's remained a major political figure, often making headlines for his public statements, legal battles, and potential future runs for office.

The IQ Debate: What Do We Know?

IQ, or intelligence quotient, is a score derived from standardized tests designed to measure human intelligence. The average IQ is around 100, with most people scoring between 85 and 115. Anything above 130 is considered “gifted” or “very superior,” while below 70 is typically classified as “extremely low.”

Now, when it comes to Trump, things get a little messy. He’s never taken a public IQ test, yet he’s referenced his intelligence many times, especially during his presidency. In one widely shared moment, he claimed to have a higher IQ than then-Secretary of State Rex Tillerson. Tillerson reportedly called Trump a "moron" behind closed doors, prompting the president to fire back, "Tillerson says I'm a moron. But I think it’s the other way around." So yeah, he’s definitely proud of his brains.

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Still, the idea that Trump might have a high IQ is mostly based on anecdotal claims, not real data. His supporters often cite his business success and political achievements as proof of intelligence, while critics argue that charisma and deal-making skills don’t necessarily equate to high IQ.

Where Did the 73 IQ Claim Come From?

In 2019, a former employee at the New York Military Academy (NYMA), where Trump attended high school, reportedly found a document in a closet claiming Trump had an IQ of 73. That number, if accurate, would place him in the “borderline” range of intellectual functioning, which is way below average. Naturally, this caused a stir.

However, experts quickly questioned the validity of the document. First off, IQ tests administered in childhood, especially during the 1950s and 1960s, were different from modern assessments. Also, there’s no official confirmation that Trump ever took a formal IQ test at NYMA. The document has never been verified, and Trump’s team has denied its authenticity.

So while the 73 number gets shared a lot online, especially on social media, it’s probably safe to say that it’s not a reliable source. That said, it does show how interested people are in trying to quantify Trump’s intelligence, whether through real data or just speculation.

What Do Experts Say About IQ?

Many experts warn that IQ isn't the only — or even the best — measure of intelligence. Emotional intelligence, creativity, problem-solving skills, and real-world success all play a role in how "smart" someone really is.

Psychologists like Howard Gardner have proposed multiple types of intelligence, including interpersonal, intrapersonal, and practical intelligence. Trump might not be a theoretical physicist, but his ability to build a global brand, win a presidential election, and dominate media attention suggests he’s strong in areas that IQ tests don’t always capture.

So even if Trump had a lower IQ — which we don’t know for sure — that wouldn’t necessarily mean he’s not intelligent in other, more practical ways. His confidence, negotiation tactics, and media savvy could all be signs of a different kind of intelligence, even if it doesn’t show up on a standard test.

How the Public Sees Intelligence and Leadership

People often associate intelligence with leadership, especially when it comes to the presidency. We expect our leaders to be smart, capable, and well-informed. But the way we measure intelligence isn’t always straightforward.

Some voters are drawn to leaders who are seen as "outsiders" or "disruptors," even if they don’t fit the traditional mold of an intellectual. Trump, for example, has built his brand on being bold, confident, and unfiltered — traits that don’t always align with textbook intelligence but resonate with a certain segment of the population.

That’s why debates over Trump’s IQ tend to be more about politics and personality than actual cognitive ability. Supporters see his business success and political wins as proof of his smarts, while critics argue that his communication style and policy positions suggest otherwise.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Donald Trump’s actual IQ score?

Donald Trump has never officially released his IQ score. There have been rumors and unverified documents suggesting a score of 73, but experts and his team have questioned the legitimacy of those claims.

Did Donald Trump take an IQ test?

There is no public record of Donald Trump taking an official IQ test. A document from the New York Military Academy surfaced in 2019 claiming he had an IQ of 73, but it has not been verified by any official source.

Is IQ the best way to measure intelligence?

IQ tests measure certain cognitive abilities, but many experts argue that they don’t capture the full picture. Emotional intelligence, creativity, and real-world problem-solving skills are also important factors in determining overall intelligence.

Want to know more about how intelligence is measured? Learn more about IQ tests and their limitations on our site.