(Newser) – Stephen Hawking may have a good grasp of the workings of the universe, but he says he can't understand the popularity of Donald Trump. The renowned theoretical physicist tells ITV's Good Morning Britain show that he has no explanation for the success of the presumptive GOP presidential nominee. "He is a demagogue who seems to appeal to the lowest common denominator," Hawking says.

Hawking also made a plea for British voters to choose to remain in the European Union in the June 23 referendum on the matter, saying it's important not only for economic and security research but also to further scientific research, the AP reports. Hawking says, "Gone are the days we could stand on our own, against the world. We need to be part of a larger group of nations, both for our security and our trade." (Hawking also has opinions on black holes, artificial intelligence, and Zayn leaving One Direction.)

