Trump’s Unpredictable Speaking Style on Display
Former President Donald Trump, aged 79, has adopted a speaking style that often resembles a spontaneous journey rather than a structured political speech. His tendency to switch topics abruptly was evident during a recent rally in Mount Pocono, Pennsylvania, leaving many attendees puzzled by his transitions.
Unexpected Remarks and Tangents
At the December 9 event, Trump unexpectedly referred to his chief of staff, Susie Wiles, as “Susie Trump,” a peculiar nickname mentioned during his meandering speech. While discussing economic issues, he digressed: “Again it’s a thing called tariffs. I told you, I was about to say. You know, because I love ‘the weave.’ You know what the weave is? You go here, ping, bing, bing. You always have to get back to the right location. Otherwise, they’ll criticize you for straying from the speech,” he explained, gesturing animatedly.
His gestures, tracing invisible outlines in the air, added to the confusion, leaving viewers unsure of the purpose behind the movements.
Criticism and Social Media Reactions
Trump criticized his speechwriters, saying, “By the way, if I read what’s on the teleprompter, you’d all be falling asleep right now.” His lengthy speech, which lasted 84 minutes, covered a wide range of topics. Despite his claims that his “weave” technique prevented criticism, social media users were quick to comment on his rambling and unusual sound effects.
Comments on social media included questions about his coherence and remarks on his age and mental state. One user commented, “He has completely lost it,” while another noted, “The sound effects don’t help to convey coherence.”
Defending the “Weave” Technique
Trump first mentioned his rhetorical style, which critics call rambling, in Pennsylvania in August 2024 during a campaign rally. He explained, “You know I do the weave. You know what the weave is? I’ll talk about like nine different things, and they all come back brilliantly together.”
He further discussed this method on the “Flagrant” podcast in October 2024, stating, “I do a thing called ‘the weave,’ and there are those that are fair that say, ‘This guy is so genius.’ And then others would say, ‘Oh, he rambles.’ I don’t ramble.”
Impact on Political Career
Trump’s speaking style and his ability to engage with right-leaning podcast communities contributed to his victory over Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election, with an Electoral College count of 312 to 226.
Since returning to office in January, his frequent “weaving” has sparked concerns about his cognitive health. Speculation about potential health issues has circulated online following the administration’s acknowledgment of multiple medical exams.
Throughout the year, Trump’s verbal missteps and invented phrases have heightened scrutiny of his mental and physical condition.
