Donald Trump's IQ has been a topic of fascination, debate, and even ridicule for years. From bold claims on social media to supposed leaked test results, people just can’t seem to stop talking about how smart the former president really is—or isn’t. Whether you're curious for political, psychological, or just plain gossip reasons, you're not alone. So, what is President Trump's IQ, really? Let’s dig into the rumors, the research, and what experts think.
Some say he has a genius-level IQ of 156. Others claim it’s closer to 73. Both ends of the spectrum have their fans and critics. But here's the deal: there’s no verified, official IQ score for Donald Trump. What we do have are stories, studies, and a whole lot of speculation. So, let’s take a look at the claims, the facts, and how all of this fits into the bigger picture of public figures and intelligence.
Before we go any further, it’s important to understand what IQ really means. IQ tests measure reasoning ability, problem-solving, pattern recognition, and other cognitive skills. But they don’t tell the whole story. Emotional intelligence, creativity, and practical wisdom aren’t captured by IQ scores. Still, people are curious—especially when it comes to someone as outspoken as Donald Trump.
Table of Contents
- Who Is Donald Trump?
- The Big IQ Claims: 156, 73, and Everything in Between
- What Evidence Exists About Trump's IQ?
- What Do Experts Say About Donald Trump's Intelligence?
- Does IQ Even Matter in Politics?
- Frequently Asked Questions
Who Is Donald Trump?
Donald John Trump was born on June 14, 1946, in Queens, New York City. He became the 45th President of the United States, serving from 2017 to 2021, and then returned to office in January 2025 after winning the 2024 election. Known for his real estate ventures, reality TV show “The Apprentice,” and his blunt, often controversial style, Trump remains a polarizing figure in American politics.
| Full Name | Donald John Trump |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | June 14, 1946 |
| Birthplace | Queens, New York City |
| Political Party | Republican |
| Presidential Term | 2017–2021, 2025– |
| Spouse | Melania Trump |
| Children | Donald Trump Jr., Ivanka Trump, Eric Trump, Tiffany Trump, Barron Trump |
The Big IQ Claims: 156, 73, and Everything in Between
One of the most talked-about claims is that Donald Trump has an IQ of 156, which would place him in the “genius” category. That number supposedly came from a document found in a former New York Military Academy employee's closet. But, and this is a big but, no one has been able to confirm the authenticity of that document.
On the flip side, there's also a viral claim that Trump scored a 73 on an IQ test when he was young. That number comes from a debunked newspaper clipping that’s been floating around online. Experts say it’s not reliable and likely made up.
So, what’s the truth? Well, it’s hard to say. Trump himself has made contradictory statements over the years. At times, he's boasted about his intelligence, even calling himself a “very stable genius.” At other times, he’s avoided giving a clear number, so it's a bit of a puzzle.
What Evidence Exists About Trump's IQ?
Let’s be honest: there’s no official IQ test result that’s been made public for Donald Trump. That hasn’t stopped people from trying to guess or even fabricate numbers. One of the more “legitimate” claims comes from a chart that ranked U.S. presidents by IQ. That chart listed Trump at 156, but again, there’s no source cited, and the methodology is unclear.
What we do know is that Trump attended the New York Military Academy and later transferred to Fordham University before enrolling at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. That doesn’t necessarily prove his IQ, but it does suggest he was academically capable.
Some people point to his business background as evidence of high intelligence. He built a real estate empire and became a household name. Others argue that his success was more about branding, luck, and family money than raw intellect.
What Do Experts Say About Donald Trump's Intelligence?
Psychologists and political scientists have weighed in on this topic, though their opinions vary. Some say that Trump displays traits associated with high verbal intelligence and persuasive communication. Others note that his behavior doesn’t always align with what’s typically associated with high IQ, such as emotional regulation and complex reasoning.
One former White House aide even mentioned that Trump tends to simplify complex issues, which can make him appear less intellectually engaged. But again, this isn’t necessarily about IQ—it’s more about communication style and decision-making habits.
There’s also the question of whether IQ tests are even a good measure of leadership ability. Experts argue that while IQ is important, traits like empathy, judgment, and crisis management are just as crucial—maybe more so—for a president.
Does IQ Even Matter in Politics?
That’s a big question, and the answer depends on who you ask. Some people believe that intelligence is a key trait for leadership. Others think it’s overrated, especially when compared to qualities like integrity, vision, and the ability to unite people.
Historically, U.S. presidents have ranged from the very smart (like John Quincy Adams and James Garfield) to those who were more average in terms of IQ. But what they all had in common was a strong will, strategic thinking, and the ability to connect with the public.
So, even if Donald Trump had the highest IQ of any president, that wouldn’t guarantee good leadership. Likewise, a lower IQ wouldn’t automatically make him a bad one. Politics is messy, and intelligence is just one piece of the puzzle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Donald Trump’s real IQ?
There is no verified, public IQ score for Donald Trump. Claims of 156 or 73 have not been confirmed by any official source, and many are based on unreliable or debunked information.
Has Donald Trump ever taken an IQ test?
There’s no official record of Trump taking a standardized IQ test, at least not one that has been released publicly. He has made claims about his intelligence but has never shared a verified score.
Is IQ a good measure of a president’s ability?
While IQ can reflect cognitive abilities, it doesn’t capture emotional intelligence, leadership skills, or the ability to govern effectively. Many successful presidents had average IQs but excelled in areas like communication, negotiation, and crisis management.
Want to learn more about Donald Trump's background and presidency? Learn more about Donald Trump on our site.
