How smart is Donald Trump?
Assessing Donald Trump's intelligence is a complex and subjective matter, with various perspectives and analyses available. Here are some key points:
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Self-Assessment and Public Perception: Trump often refers to himself as a "very stable genius," emphasizing his intellectual abilities and business success. However, public perception of his intelligence has been mixed. Polls have shown that a significant portion of Americans do not view him as particularly intelligent. For example, a Washington Post–ABC News poll found that 52% of respondents did not believe Trump had the mental sharpness to serve effectively as president2.
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Academic Background: Trump graduated from the Wharton School of Finance at the University of Pennsylvania, but there is no evidence that he was an exceptional student. Some of his professors have reportedly criticized his academic abilities2.
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Expert Assessments: Historian Barbara Perry notes that while Trump may not be considered traditionally intelligent, he is cunning and knows how to work a crowd effectively1. Psychologist Dean Simonton's work on presidential intelligence does not include Trump, as his analysis was completed before Trump's presidency1.
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Policy Knowledge and Decision-Making: Critics, including former officials and diplomats, have questioned Trump's understanding of policy issues and his ability to make informed decisions. For instance, Defense Secretary James Mattis reportedly described Trump's understanding of complex issues as akin to that of a fifth- or sixth-grader2.
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IQ Claims: There is no credible evidence to support claims about Trump's IQ, including a debunked claim of an IQ score of 733. Trump has refused to release his school transcripts, which could provide more insight into his academic performance.
In summary, while Trump's self-assessment of his intelligence is high, public and expert opinions are more divided, with many questioning his intellectual acuity based on his performance and decision-making during his presidency.