President Donald Trump revealed Monday that his scratchy, hoarse voice isnβt a sign of age, illness, or even overwork. No, itβs because heβs apparently been yelling at people during trade talks. And according to him, thatβs a good thing.
βI feel great. I was shouting at people because they were stupid about something having to do with trade and a country, and I straightened it out,β Trump said. βBut I blew my stack at these people.β He did not name which country he was furious with, only that it tried to renegotiate its trade deal. βAnd I wasnβt happy about it,β he added.
Q: “Your voice sounds a little rough. Are you feeling alright?”
Trump: “I feel great. I was shouting at people because they were stupid about something having to do with tradeβ¦I blew my stack at these people.”
pic.twitter.com/9AGOI8lTXIβ Republicans against Trump (@RpsAgainstTrump) November 17, 2025
Trumpβs comments come just after his administration announced a set of new trade frameworks with several countries.
On November 13, 2025, the White House said it struck trade deals with Argentina, Ecuador, El Salvador, and Guatemala. According to fact sheets, these deals aim to give U.S. exporters β farmers, ranchers, small companies β better access to those markets.
The framework with Ecuador includes reducing tariffs on goods such as fruit, wheat, and distilled spirits. El Salvador agreed to streamline regulatory approvals for U.S. agricultural products and medical devices. Guatemala committed to not taxing U.S. digital services, and will strengthen labor laws to prevent goods made with forced labor. Argentina, on its part, promised to open its market more to U.S. industrial products, medicines, and farm goods.
At the same time, Trump announced another trade deal with Switzerland and Liechtenstein. That agreement lowers tariffs on American exports including beef, poultry, and bison. It also promises huge investment β $200β―billion from Swiss and Liechtenstein companies into the U.S. economy.
Critics say that while these trade frameworks might look good on paper, Trumpβs excuse for his hoarse voice shows how he handles diplomacy: not with subtlety, but with volume. Trade talks are normally about detailed technical work, not shouting matches. Experts warn that getting a deal right depends on careful negotiation, not aggression.
Still, Trump framed his yelling as evidence that he was fully engaged in the process. He argued that speaking loudly was necessary to correct what he saw as incompetence.
His hoarse voice has raised some concern, but he rejected the idea that it signals health issues.
The timing of Trumpβs claims is important. The U.S.-Latin America trade agreements are being pitched as historic β a way to deepen economic ties while reducing barriers for U.S. exports. At the same time, lowering tariffs on Swiss imports could open more room for American beef and other products, helping U.S. producers.
Featured image via X screengrab
