President Donald Trump on Monday said his raspy voice was the result of raising his voice during trade discussions, insisting he is in good health despite sounding hoarse.
Why It Matters
Trump’s explanation for his strained voice comes as his behavior and health continue to draw close scrutiny while he manages sensitive international negotiations and major domestic responsibilities.
What To Know
During an Oval Office meeting that focused largely on preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Trump spoke with a noticeably hoarse voice while addressing reporters and officials.
“I was shouting at people because they were stupid about something having to do with trade in a country,” Trump told reporters, saying he ultimately “straightened it out” but had “blew my stack at these people.” He declined to name the country, saying only that it had attempted to revise the terms of a trade agreement and he “wasn’t happy about it.”
Trump said he feels “great” and dismissed any concerns about his health.
The gathering included several high-level administration officials, among them Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, and FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Questions about Trump’s health surfaced as part of a broader press exchange on the administration’s current priorities.
At the same time, the White House is navigating a series of foreign policy tests, including U.S. military operations that officials say are aimed at disrupting drug trafficking in the Caribbean, as well as strained diplomatic ties with Venezuela.
What People Are Saying
The White House wrote on X on Monday: “Thanks to President Trump’s deal-making, we’re making trade fair again, & winning BIG. Coffee, tea, cocoa, spices, bananas, oranges, tomatoes, beef, fertilizers, & more are now exempt from reciprocal tariffs. America First policies delivering for American workers & families.”
The United States Trade Representative posted on X earlier this month: “The so-called ‘experts’ were once again proven wrong as President Trump effectively used tariffs to reach landmark deals with Switzerland, Korea, and our Latin American partners. This is just the beginning of the lasting benefits @POTUS’ America First Trade Policy will deliver for the American people.”
David Axelrod, a former adviser to President Barack Obama, wrote on X this month: “The @POTUS is quietly rolling back some of his own policies to cope with an affordability crisis he stoutly denies and those policies have made WORSE. Must be reading last week’s election results!”
What Happens Next
The episode illustrates the ongoing attention on Trump’s physical stamina and governing style, especially in high-pressure settings. The administration has not provided additional information about the country at the center of the trade dispute or the specific details of the disagreement.
