Fact Check: Trump's IQ is under 100

Claim Analysis: "Trump's IQ is under 100"

1. Introduction

The claim that "Trump's IQ is under 100" has circulated in various forms, often linked to assertions that his IQ score is as low as 73. This claim raises questions about the validity of IQ testing, the reliability of sources reporting on Trump's intelligence, and the broader implications of such assertions in political discourse.

2. What We Know

IQ Testing and Scores: IQ, or intelligence quotient, is a measure of cognitive abilities relative to the general population. An average IQ score is set at 100, with scores below this indicating below-average intelligence. A score of 73 would place an individual in the "well below average" category, often associated with intellectual disability 6 9.
Trump's Public Claims: Donald Trump has publicly claimed that his IQ is higher than that of various political figures, including Barack Obama and Rex Tillerson, but he has not provided any formal documentation or evidence to substantiate these claims 1.
Rumors of a 73 IQ Score: The claim that Trump has an IQ of 73 appears to stem from a viral rumor that suggests he was tested during his time at the New York Military Academy. However, multiple fact-checking sources, including Snopes and PolitiFact, have found no credible evidence to support this specific score 3 4 9.
Contradictory Claims: Some sources assert that Trump's IQ is much higher, with estimates ranging from 145 to 156, suggesting he is in the genius range 5 8. These claims often lack formal verification and rely on anecdotal evidence or assumptions based on his educational background.

3. Analysis

The sources discussing Trump's IQ vary significantly in reliability and potential bias:

Fact-Checking Websites: Sources like Snopes and PolitiFact are generally regarded as reliable due to their commitment to fact-checking and sourcing claims. They have thoroughly investigated the 73 IQ claim and found it to be unsubstantiated, indicating that it likely originated from misinformation 3 4 9.
Media Reports: Articles from outlets like the BBC and Times of India provide context but may also reflect the sensational nature of the topic. The BBC article discusses Trump's claims without verifying any specific IQ score, while the Times of India reiterates the 73 score rumor without presenting new evidence 1 6.
Speculative Claims: Some articles, such as those estimating Trump's IQ at 145 or higher, often lack empirical backing and may be influenced by the authors' biases or agendas. For instance, the assertion that he has a high IQ based on his business success does not constitute a formal IQ assessment 5 8.
Methodological Concerns: The methodology behind estimating IQ based on educational background or anecdotal evidence is questionable. IQ tests are standardized assessments, and without formal testing, any claims about Trump's IQ remain speculative.

4. Conclusion

Verdict: False

The claim that "Trump's IQ is under 100" is deemed false based on the lack of credible evidence supporting the assertion that his IQ is as low as 73. Reliable fact-checking sources, including Snopes and PolitiFact, have investigated this claim and found it to be unsubstantiated, indicating that it likely originated from misinformation. Furthermore, while some sources suggest that Trump's IQ may be significantly higher, these claims also lack formal verification and are often based on anecdotal evidence rather than standardized testing.

It is important to note that the discussion surrounding IQ scores can be contentious and is often influenced by political biases. The absence of formal IQ testing results for Trump means that any claims about his intelligence remain speculative.

Readers should be aware of the limitations in the available evidence and the potential for misinformation in politically charged discussions. It is advisable to critically evaluate information and seek out reliable sources when assessing claims about public figures.