Fact Check: Was Donald Trump's IQ Measured at 73

Was Donald Trump's IQ Measured at 73?

The claim that Donald Trump has an IQ of 73, purportedly measured during his time at the New York Military Academy, has circulated widely, particularly on social media. This assertion has been met with skepticism and scrutiny from various fact-checking organizations and media outlets. The origins of this claim appear to stem from a supposed discovery of documents related to Trump's time at the academy, but the veracity of these documents and the claim itself is under question.

What We Know

Origin of the Claim: The claim that Donald Trump's IQ was measured at 73 emerged in May 2019, when a document allegedly found in a closet belonging to a former New York Military Academy employee suggested this score. However, the authenticity of this document has not been verified, and it has been described as a "recycled rumor" 2 5.
Fact-Checking Responses: Several reputable fact-checking organizations, including Snopes and PolitiFact, have investigated this claim. They concluded that there is no credible evidence to support the assertion that Trump scored 73 on an IQ test. In fact, they emphasize that the claim is based on misinformation and lacks any official documentation or verification 3 6 7.
Context of IQ Scores: An IQ score of 73 is considered well below average and would classify an individual as having intellectual disabilities according to standard IQ classification systems. This context adds weight to the skepticism surrounding the claim, as it would be a significant and damaging label for a public figure 4.
Trump's Public Statements: Donald Trump has often boasted about his intelligence and has made derogatory comments about the intelligence of his opponents. This history raises questions about the motivations behind the claim and whether it is intended to undermine his public persona 8.

Analysis

The sources that have reported on the claim vary in reliability and potential bias:

Snopes and PolitiFact are well-regarded fact-checking organizations known for their rigorous methodology and commitment to accuracy. Their investigations into the claim highlight the lack of credible evidence and suggest that the claim is unfounded 2 3 6.
The BBC article provides a broader context regarding Trump's claims about intelligence but does not specifically address the 73 IQ claim, indicating that it is part of a larger narrative about Trump's self-presentation 1.
The Times of India and Economic Times articles reiterate the skepticism surrounding the claim but do not provide new evidence or insights, relying instead on the findings of established fact-checkers 4 8.
Lead Stories and TruthOrFake Blog also support the conclusion that the claim is false, reiterating that no credible evidence confirms Trump's IQ was measured at 73 5 9.

While the claim has gained traction on social media, it is crucial to consider the motivations behind its resurgence. The claim's sensational nature may appeal to those who harbor biases against Trump, suggesting that it could be used as a tool for political ridicule rather than a factual assertion.

Conclusion

Verdict: False

The claim that Donald Trump has an IQ of 73 is false. Key evidence leading to this conclusion includes the lack of credible documentation supporting the claim, as highlighted by reputable fact-checking organizations such as Snopes and PolitiFact. These organizations have emphasized that the assertion is based on misinformation and has not been substantiated by any official records.

It is important to note that while the claim is widely circulated, it appears to be part of a broader narrative aimed at undermining Trump's public image. The sensational nature of the claim may resonate with individuals who hold biases against him, further complicating the discourse surrounding it.

However, limitations in the available evidence should be acknowledged. The origins of the claim are murky, and the authenticity of the purported documents remains unverified. As such, while the claim is deemed false, the context in which it has emerged should be considered.

Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information and seek out credible sources before forming conclusions. Misinformation can easily spread, particularly in politically charged environments, and it is essential to approach such claims with a discerning eye.

Sources

BBC News. "Can we tell if Donald Trump has a high IQ?" Link
Snopes. "Was Donald Trump's IQ Measured at 73?" Link
Yahoo News. "Fact Check: Trump Did Not Score 73 on IQ Test." Link
Times of India. "Does Donald Trump have an IQ of 73? What is the truth behind this viral claim?" Link
Lead Stories. "Fact Check: NO Record Confirms Trump's IQ Was Tested At 73 While In Military School." Link
PolitiFact. "Trump Did Not Score 73 on IQ Test." Link
Snopes. "Trump Did Not Score 73 on IQ Test." Link
Economic Times. "Donald Trump's IQ controversy: How true is the 73 score?" Link
TruthOrFake Blog. "Fact Check: Trump's IQ is under 100." Link
Times Now News. "Donald Trump Has An IQ Of 73? Fake Newspaper Article Sparks Reactions." Link