Ever had one of those days where your voice is just shot from a heated discussion? President Donald Trump recently revealed that his own hoarse voice during an Oval Office meeting stemmed from a similar situation – he was apparently “shouting at people because they were stupid.”
A Frustrated President
During a press conference on November 17, 2025, a reporter noted Trump’s rough voice and asked if he was feeling alright. Trump, who was there to announce a new FIFA passport ahead of the 2026 World Cup, assured everyone he felt “great” but explained the vocal strain. “I was shouting at people because they were stupid,” he candidly stated, adding that the outburst was related to trade negotiations.
He described the incident as having to “straighten it out” with a country over trade terms, admitting he “blew my stack.” This explanation, delivered with a touch of humor that drew laughs from some attendees like Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, highlighted the president’s passionate approach to international dealings.
The Impact of Tariffs
While Trump didn’t name the foreign leader he yelled at, he mentioned that the leader wanted to renegotiate trade deal terms. This comes at a time when economists have pointed to Trump’s increased tariffs as a factor contributing to rising costs and business closures. A report from the Center for American Progress specifically highlighted how these policies could disproportionately harm Black businesses and communities.
The report stated, “His erratic tariff policies will bring rising costs and almost nonexistent avenues for exemption that threaten the survival of Black businesses and the trajectory of communities they anchor.” This suggests that the president’s trade disputes have tangible, and potentially damaging, economic consequences.
Dividend Checks and Economic Concerns
Amid these trade discussions, Trump reiterated his plan to issue $2,000 dividend checks to working-class Americans, citing tariffs as a source of revenue. However, analyses from groups like the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget cast doubt on the financial feasibility of this plan. They estimate such dividends could cost $6 trillion over ten years, far exceeding the projected tariff earnings.
The legality of Trump’s tariffs is also under review by the U.S. Supreme Court, adding another layer of uncertainty. Trade experts warn that a ruling against the administration could create a significant procedural challenge for the federal government.
What’s your take on President Trump’s approach to trade negotiations and his explanation for his hoarse voice? Do you think his tariff policies are beneficial for the U.S. economy? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!