DALLAS — Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas), the outspoken sophomore congresswoman from Dallas, has ignited a firestorm of controversy and conversation after declaring on Jimmy Kimmel Live! that she would “absolutely” take on President Donald Trump in a head-to-head IQ test. The bold challenge, made during an April 22, 2025, appearance on the late-night show, comes in response to Trump’s earlier remarks labeling Crockett a “lowlife” and “very low-IQ person.” The exchange has thrust Crockett into the national spotlight, amplifying her reputation as a rising star in the Democratic Party while drawing sharp criticism from Republican opponents.

The Kimmel Moment

Crockett’s appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! was a blend of humor, defiance, and political strategy. Host Jimmy Kimmel, known for his sharp wit and political commentary, set the stage by playing a clip of Trump speaking at the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) Dinner in early April. In the clip, Trump mockingly referred to Crockett as the Democrats’ “new star,” suggesting that her prominence signaled trouble for the party. “This new star, Crockett. How about her? Is that real? Are they serious about that? If that’s their new star, they’re in serious trouble,” Trump said, drawing laughter from the audience.

Kimmel then referenced Trump’s earlier comments from a March radio interview with Vince Coglianese, where he called Crockett a “very low-IQ person” in response to her controversial nickname for Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, “Governor Hot Wheels.” The moniker, used during a Human Rights Campaign dinner in Los Angeles, was a jab at Abbott’s immigration policies but drew backlash for its insensitivity, as Abbott has used a wheelchair since a 1984 accident left him partially paralyzed.

Turning to Crockett, Kimmel asked, “He also called you low IQ, I’m sure you’re aware of that. Would you be willing to take an IQ test publicly, head-to-head against the President of the United States?” Before Kimmel could finish, Crockett interjected with a confident, “Absolutely, absolutely, absolutely!” Her enthusiastic response drew cheers from the studio audience and quickly went viral, with clips circulating widely on social media platforms like X.

“It says a lot when you’re supposed to be the leader of the free world, and you’re worried about a rising sophomore in the House,” Crockett quipped, dismissing Trump’s focus on her as a sign of insecurity. The congresswoman also took aim at other prominent Republicans, including Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), whom she called “dumb and a lowlife,” and tech billionaire Elon Musk, whom she labeled an “idiot” for his role in the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

A Rising Star with a Polarizing Style

Crockett, now in her second term representing Texas’ 30th Congressional District, has built a reputation for her blunt, often provocative rhetoric. A former public defender and state representative, she has leveraged her legal background and charismatic presence to become a vocal critic of Republican policies. Her confrontational style has earned her both fervent supporters and fierce detractors.

“She’s authentic, and that’s what resonates,” said Maria Gonzalez, a Dallas voter and Crockett supporter. “She speaks truth to power, whether it’s Trump or anyone else. That IQ test challenge? Classic Jasmine—she’s not backing down.”

However, Crockett’s approach has also sparked controversy. Her “Governor Hot Wheels” comment prompted a formal censure resolution from Rep. Randy Weber (R-Friendswood), though it has yet to come to a vote. Even some Democratic allies suggested the remark went too far, leading Crockett to clarify that she was targeting Abbott’s policies, not his disability. “I was referring to the planes, trains, and automobiles he used to transfer migrants into communities led by Black mayors,” she said in a statement, accusing Republicans of misinterpreting her words.

The IQ Test Challenge: Symbolism or Stunt?

The proposed IQ test has captured the public’s imagination, with opinions split on whether it’s a serious challenge or a publicity stunt. On X, posts ranged from enthusiastic support to skeptical mockery. “This would be great,” wrote user @OldRichGamer, while @claursen81 speculated on the outcome, estimating Trump’s IQ at 125–130 and Crockett’s at 105–110, concluding, “Trump wins. She trends.” Others, like @TD87495543, were less charitable, commenting, “Stupid people often times don’t know that they are stupid. #facts.”

Political analysts see the challenge as a strategic move by Crockett to capitalize on her feud with Trump. “It’s less about the test itself and more about keeping her name in the headlines,” said Dr. Laura Simmons, a political science professor at the University of Texas at Dallas. “Crockett is positioning herself as a fearless antagonist to Trump, which energizes her base and elevates her national profile.”

However, some question the wisdom of engaging Trump on his terms. “IQ tests measure specific cognitive abilities, not leadership or judgment,” said Dr. James Patel, a psychologist specializing in cognitive assessment. “Turning this into a spectacle risks trivializing serious political discourse.”

Crockett’s Broader Critique

Beyond the IQ test challenge, Crockett used her Kimmel appearance to outline her vision for the Democratic Party. She argued that voters are less concerned with policy details than with authenticity. “I don’t think that policy is what we need to be fighting about, because, guess what, nobody can tell you what Donald Trump’s policies were at all,” she said. “I think that people are voting for who they feel like is being honest with them, even if they don’t like what they’re saying.”

Crockett also criticized the Trump administration’s competence, particularly targeting Musk’s involvement with DOGE. “When you bring up the idiot known as Elon Musk, he is not only, like, very sinister and has no idea what he’s doing,” she said, dismissing the notion that his wealth equates to genius. “He knows how to hire smart people, but don’t conflate that and believe that he is the genius, cause he ain’t.”

Her comments drew a sharp rebuke from White House spokesperson Harrison Fields, who told Fox News, “Crockett and her followers in the Democratic Party are simply all hammer and no nail. When she’s leading the Democrats in ‘oversight,’ that’s when you know the party is in shambles. Her constituents should DOGE her in the next election.”

A Pattern of Controversy

Crockett’s Kimmel appearance is the latest in a series of high-profile moments. In recent weeks, she has faced backlash for comments defending Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a deported immigrant, claiming he was “a lot less criminal” than Trump, who she noted has no criminal convictions. She also sparked debate by touting her race as a qualification for a public defender job, drawing accusations of being a “DEI hire” from conservative commentators.

Additionally, Crockett’s international trips, including a $17,000 visit to Doha funded by the US-Qatar Business Council, have raised eyebrows. Critics on X, including user @Liz, alleged that these trips, some involving family members, suggest undue influence from foreign governments. Crockett’s chief of staff countered that all disclosures comply with federal law.