Trump’s Hoarse Voice Over Trade Issues
On Monday, President Donald Trump explained that his hoarse voice came from shouting “because people were stupid” regarding trade matters.
During a press conference in the Oval Office, with FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Cabinet members present, an NBC News reporter pointed out Trump’s raspy voice and inquired about his well-being.
Trump responded, saying, “I was yelling at people because they were stupid about things that had to do with trade and country, and I corrected them, but I blew stacks on these people,” which elicited laughter from those in the room.
When a reporter later pressed him on which country he meant, Trump didn’t specify but mentioned dissatisfaction over a country wanting to renegotiate a trade agreement.
The reporter then asked, “What country are you from?” to which Trump replied, “How can you say that? I don’t believe it.”
At the start of the event, Trump outlined the FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System (PASS) that aims to streamline visa arrangements for international soccer fans attending next summer’s U.S. World Cup matches.
He noted, “Secretary Rubio’s team at the State Department has been working tirelessly with the Department of Homeland Security to ensure that soccer fans can receive proper testing and easily come to the United States next summer.”
Trump elaborated on the PASS program, saying it would enable World Cup ticket holders facing long wait times to select priority interview slots with FIFA.
Infantino added that the PASS initiative would facilitate entry for “legal” soccer fans with tickets to the U.S. for the matches. He emphasized that this would help ensure those fans can enjoy the World Cup without hassle.
Mr. Rubio highlighted that applicants for the expedited visa system would go through the same screening procedures as regular travelers and urged them to apply without delay.
“My advice to everyone is that if you have tickets for any of the matches, if you haven’t done so already, you should apply as soon as possible. Don’t wait until the last moment,” he advised.
