Political Tribune

Donald Trump, Immigration, Opinion, Politics

Trump Mocks Reporter’s Accent With Cruel Remark About Speaking Clearly

Totally uncalled for

563
563 points

On Friday, Trump signed a big change to U.S. visas. He announced a $100,000 annual fee on H-1B visas. Tech companies weren’t happy. India, which sends most of these workers to the U.S., wasn’t thrilled either.

At the same time, Trump unveiled a $1 million “gold card” for fast-track U.S. residency. “The main thing is, we’re going to have great people coming in, and they’re going to be paying,” he said in the Oval Office. Because, of course, everything is about the money.

H-1B visas let U.S. companies hire foreign workers with skills like programming, engineering, and science. They last three years and can go up to six. About 85,000 visas are given each year, and roughly three-quarters go to Indians.

India’s top tech group, Nasscom, said the sudden $100,000 fee is a nightmare. “A one-day deadline creates uncertainty for businesses, professionals, and students across the world,” they said.

Big tech relies on Indian workers for important projects. Many travel back and forth between India and the U.S. Experts, including Elon Musk, warned that these fees could cause serious problems. Trump didn’t seem to care. “All the big companies are on board,” he said, with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick nodding like, “Yep, that’s fine.”

This is part of Trump’s second-term immigration crackdown. H-1B applications have gone up in recent years, peaking under Biden. Rejections were highest during Trump’s first term. In 2024, about 400,000 visas were approved, mostly renewals.

Trump also introduced a $1 million residency path for wealthy individuals. Companies can pay $2 million to speed things up. Trump said it would be “tremendously successful.” Sounds… expensive.

Other countries reacted fast. South Korea said it would check how the rules affect its companies and workers.

Just weeks ago, hundreds of South Korean workers were detained during a U.S. immigration raid at a Hyundai-LG factory in Georgia. Awkward timing.

The moment everyone’s talking about, though, came when an Indian reporter asked if the fee targeted “big tech.” Trump said, “I wish you’d speak more clearly, I really do. Give it to me again.” Then he still misheard it as “Big tax? What?” Lutnick had to yell, “BIG TECH. BIG TECH,” before Trump finally got it.

That was actually pretty rude. Mocking a reporter’s accent isn’t exactly presidential. Social media went wild.

Featured image via X screengrab

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Terry Lawson

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Terry is an editor and political writer based in Alabama. Over the last five years, he’s worked behind the scenes as a ghostwriter for a range of companies, helping shape voices and tell stories that connect. Now at Political Tribune, he writes sharp political pieces and edits with a close eye on clarity and tone. Terry’s work is driven by strong storytelling, attention to detail, and a clear sense of purpose. He’s skilled in writing, editing, and project management — and always focused on getting the message right. You can find him on X at https://x.com/TerryNotTrump.

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