Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, torched California Gov. Gavin Newsom in a heated social media exchange after the governor claimed Cruz had called him “illiterate.” Newsom, who has publicly discussed his dyslexia, accused Cruz of hitting a “new low.”
“Ted Cruz calling a dyslexic person illiterate is a new low, even for him,” Newsom posted.
But here’s the twist: Cruz never actually called him illiterate.
Instead, Cruz described the California Democrat as “historically illiterate” — a pointed criticism aimed squarely at Newsom’s understanding of American history, not his ability to read. And Cruz made that crystal clear when he fired back.
“I didn’t say you couldn’t read, you [clown emoji],” Cruz responded bluntly.
He doubled down, explaining exactly what he meant.
“I said you were ‘historically illiterate,’ because you apparently have no idea that Eisenhower federalized the national guard to stop Dem governors from defying federal law.”
Cruz then delivered a history lesson of his own. On September 23, 1957, President Dwight D. Eisenhower issued Executive Order 10730, federalizing the Arkansas National Guard and deploying the 101st Airborne Division to Little Rock. The move broke the blockade ordered by Democratic Gov. Orval Faubus and allowed the Little Rock Nine to desegregate Central High School.
I didn’t say you couldn’t read, you
I said you were “historically illiterate”…
….because you apparently have no idea that Eisenhower federalized the national guard to stop Dem governors from defying federal law.
Specifically, on September 23, 1957, President Eisenhower… https://t.co/63z3botBKs
Should Sen. Ted Cruz have chosen clearer language in his criticism of Gov. Gavin Newsom?— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) February 17, 2026
Cruz’s point was clear: federal authority has been used before to override state officials defying federal law — a historical precedent he says Newsom either ignored or failed to understand.
The exchange quickly drew national attention, especially as Newsom’s profile continues to rise amid growing 2028 presidential speculation. The California governor, often labeled a leading figure of the progressive movement, has recently pushed back against the “liberal” label while increasing his presence on the global stage.
But critics weren’t buying Newsom’s framing of the dispute.
Conservative talk radio host and OutKick founder Clay Travis jumped into the fray, dismantling the governor’s claim.
“He called you ‘historically illiterate,’ which means you don’t know basic history,” Travis wrote. “You not having ever heard of this phrase or knowing what it means makes you a moron.”
The online back-and-forth underscores the sharp rhetorical battles shaping the early contours of 2028. Newsom has positioned himself as a vocal foil to Republicans nationwide, while Cruz remains one of the GOP’s most combative voices.
And then there’s the political optics. Newsom’s dyslexia has been part of his public story, including discussions about struggling with speeches. Critics argue that invoking it in this case sidesteps the actual substance of Cruz’s criticism. Supporters say Cruz should have been more precise in his wording.
Either way, the spat highlights just how quickly political discourse can spiral — especially when emojis get involved.
As both men sharpen their national profiles, expect more fireworks. Because in today’s political arena, even a single word — or a single emoji — can ignite a full-blown digital brawl.
