Trump compared Iran strikes to Pearl Harbor in Japan meeting
President Donald Trump compared Iran strikes with Pearl Harbor in front of Japan’s prime minister and Japanese reporters.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi complimented Barron Trump, the son of President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump, ahead of his birthday during remarks at a White House dinner on March 19.
“I know he has grown up so much into a very tall, good-looking gentleman,” Takaichi said. “As I see you Donald, it is very clear where he got it. His parents, of course.”
Barron Trump is set to turn 20 years old on March 20. Before he turned 18, he was largely kept out of the spotlight but showed interest in his father’s politics, particularly during the 2024 presidential election, the USA TODAY Network reported.
In the remainder of her remarks, Takaichi congratulated the United States on its 250th anniversary and said Japan will gift Washington, DC, an additional 250 cherry trees. She also touted the relationship between the two countries, saying that “Japan is back.”
In his remarks, the president called Takaichi “a great friend and partner” and said that they have become “very close.”
The dinner was the conclusion of Takaichi’s first visit to the White House since becoming prime minister in October. The president visited her in Japan last year and backed her in the country’s February snap election.
Oval Office meeting sees Pearl Harbor comments
Takaichi told the president in an Oval Office meeting that the world is experiencing a “very severe security environment” due to the ongoing U.S.-Israel war on Iran and that the global economy is “about to experience a huge hit,” but that only he “can achieve peace throughout the world.”
President Trump claimed he doesn’t need Japan’s help against Iran, but it would be “appropriate” because of how reliant the country is on oil that passes through the Strait of Hormuz.
The president said that he did not tell other world leaders about the opening strikes of the war to maintain the element of surprise. He compared the attacks that killed Iran’s then Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei to the Pearl Harbor attacks that triggered the United States’ entry into World War II.
“We didn’t tell anyone about it because we wanted a surprise,” Trump said to laughter. “Who knows better about surprise than Japan? Why didn’t you tell me about Pearl Harbor?”
Takaichi remained expressionless throughout Trump’s comments.
Contributing: Jennifer Sangalang, USA TODAY Network