Donald Trump’s IQ has been a topic of fascination and controversy for years. Whether it’s due to his larger-than-life persona, his frequent claims about his intelligence, or the endless media coverage he generates, people keep asking: what is Donald Trump’s IQ? This article dives into the claims, the sources, and the debates surrounding one of the most talked-about figures in modern politics.
It’s no secret that Donald Trump often speaks about his intelligence, especially during his time in the public spotlight. From tweets to interviews, he’s made it clear that he believes he’s among the smartest people around. But how much of that is fact, and how much is just part of his larger-than-life image? Let’s take a closer look.
Whether you’re curious about his cognitive abilities, his early life, or the ongoing debates around his intelligence claims, this article covers everything you need to know about what is Donald Trump’s IQ.
Table of Contents
- Donald Trump Biography
- What Is Donald Trump’s IQ?
- How Is IQ Measured?
- The Debate Around Trump’s IQ Claims
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Donald Trump Biography
Donald John Trump was born on June 14, 1946, and is currently serving as the 47th President of the United States. He is a businessman, media personality, and politician who built a global real estate empire under the Trump Organization. Before entering politics, he was best known for his reality TV show, *The Apprentice*, and his flamboyant lifestyle.
Trump previously served as the 45th President of the U.S. from 2017 to 2021, and after a landslide victory in the 2024 election, he returned to the White House in January 2025. His presidency has been marked by controversy, legal battles, and a strong populist agenda.
Here’s a quick look at some key biographical details:
Category | Details |
---|---|
Full Name | Donald John Trump |
Date of Birth | June 14, 1946 |
Birthplace | New York City, New York, U.S. |
Occupation | Politician, Businessman, Media Personality |
Spouse | Melania Trump (First Lady) |
Children | Five (Donald Jr., Ivanka, Eric, Tiffany, Barron) |
Education | Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania |
Political Party | Republican |
Presidential Terms | 45th (2017–2021), 47th (2025–present) |
What Is Donald Trump’s IQ?
According to some sources, Donald Trump has an IQ of 156, which is considered to be in the “genius” range. That number comes from a document reportedly discovered in 2019 inside a former New York Military Academy employee’s closet. If true, this would place him in the top 0.01% of the world’s population in terms of intelligence.
But here’s the catch: the authenticity of that document is widely debated. Many experts question whether this number is accurate or even legitimate. There’s no official public IQ test result from Trump himself, and the claim relies on a single, unverified document.
What we do know is that Trump attended the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, where he earned a degree in economics. That alone suggests a high level of academic aptitude, though it doesn’t necessarily confirm a specific IQ number.
How Is IQ Measured?
IQ, or intelligence quotient, is a score derived from standardized tests designed to measure human intelligence. These tests typically assess areas like logical reasoning, problem-solving, pattern recognition, and verbal comprehension.
There are several well-known IQ tests, including the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scales and the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS). These tests are usually administered by trained professionals and are designed to be culturally fair and scientifically valid.
A score of 100 is considered average, and most people fall within the 85–115 range. Anything above 130 is considered gifted or highly intelligent, and 150+ is often labeled as genius level. So if Trump’s IQ is indeed 156, he would be among the smartest people in the world.
The Debate Around Trump’s IQ Claims
Trump himself has made no secret of his belief that he’s extremely intelligent. He once famously tweeted that his IQ was much higher than that of then-Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, who reportedly called him a “moron.” Trump responded, “I’m Smart, I Know Things.”
But not everyone buys into the idea that Trump is a genius. Critics argue that intelligence isn’t just about numbers on a test. Emotional intelligence, practical reasoning, and the ability to think critically in complex situations are also important aspects of real-world smarts.
Some experts suggest that Trump’s confidence might be mistaken for intelligence. Others point out that his communication style—characterized by repetition, simplicity, and emotional appeal—doesn’t align with what’s typically associated with high-IQ individuals. Still, others believe that his business success and political influence are evidence of a different kind of intelligence, one that doesn’t always show up on a standardized test.
In short, the debate over Trump’s IQ isn’t just about numbers. It’s about how we define intelligence, what it means in the real world, and how much stock we should put into a single test score.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Has Donald Trump ever taken an official IQ test?
There is no public record of Donald Trump taking an officially administered IQ test. The widely cited figure of 156 comes from a document discovered in 2019, but its authenticity has not been verified.
2. Is Donald Trump the smartest U.S. president?
That’s a subjective question. While some claim he has a high IQ, others argue that leadership, decision-making, and emotional intelligence are equally—if not more—important than test scores. Presidents like Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson, and Barack Obama are also often cited for their intellectual prowess.
3. Why does Trump talk about his IQ so much?
Trump often uses his intelligence as a talking point to assert dominance in political and personal debates. He tends to frame intelligence as a key trait of leadership and often contrasts himself with critics he believes are less capable.
If you’re interested in how personality and intelligence shape leadership, you might want to explore how other politicians compare. Learn more about IQ and leadership styles on our site.
For a deeper dive into how IQ scores are calculated and what they really mean, check out this guide to understanding IQ tests.



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