Trump blames technology for ‘somewhat different and strange’ voice in Musk interview

Former President Trump took to social media late Tuesday to blame technology for his “different and strange” voice during a two-hour conversation with tech billionaire Elon Musk on the social platform X’s live audio feature.

“My conversation with Elon last night was heard by a RECORD audience, and was really something special, as Elon himself is very special – and I thank him for such a strong Endorsement!” Trump posted on Truth Social. “Unfortunately, because of the complexity of modern day equipment, and cellphone technology, my voice was, in certain areas, somewhat different and strange. Therefore, we have put out an actual, and perfect, recording of the conversation.”

Trump’s critics and others listening to the Monday night chat with Musk pointed out that the former president at times sounded like he had a lisp or was struggling to clearly enunciate words.

Trump and Musk spoke for roughly two hours on X, an event that was delayed at first because of technical issues Musk blamed on a targeted cyberattack. At its peak, the event had more than 1 million concurrent listeners.

While Trump largely managed to stick to policy in attacking Vice President Harris during the conversation, something his allies have pleaded with him to do, he drew backlash when he praised Musk for firing striking workers at one of his companies.

The former president largely spent the day after the discussion attacking the news media for failing to adequately highlight the sizable audience that tuned in.

Trump and his team have pointed to conversations the former president is having with individuals such as Musk as evidence he is willing and able to speak extemporaneously, and they have attacked Harris for thus far declining to do a sit-down interview or unscripted events.

Polling has shown Harris surging since she became the Democratic nominee following President Biden’s decision to end his candidacy. The Cook Political Report, a nonpartisan election analysis outlet, published data Wednesday morning that showed Harris leading Trump in five out of seven key battleground states.

The Hill/Decision Desk HQ’s national polling index shows Harris with a 1.4 point lead over Trump, 47.8 percent to 46.4 percent.