Not even Stephen Hawking can explain Donald Trump's political success

Stephen Hawking is stumped by Donald Trump&#039;s popularity

(Image credit: Timothy A. Clary/AFP/Getty Images)

last updated 31 May 2016

Republican strategists and vanquished presidential wannabes take heart: Not even a genius like Stephen Hawking can explain how Donald Trump became the presumptive GOP presidential nominee. Granted, Hawking's expertise is theoretical physics, not politics, but he's clearly following the U.S. presidential race. When ITV's Good Morning Britain asked Hawking if he could explain Trump's popular appeal, Hawking said: "I can't. He is a demagogue, who seems to appeal to the lowest common denominator." Hawking has previously cast doubt on Trump's intelligence.

In the interview, airing on British TV Tuesday morning, Hawking also made his case for Britain staying the European Union, a question that will be put to British voters in June. "Gone are the days we could stand on our own, against the world," he said. "We need to be part of a larger group of nations, both for our security, and our trade." Hawking, paralyzed due to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig's disease, is bound to a wheelchair and has to speak through a voice synthesizer.

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Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.