Overview
- During a March 19 press Q&A before a bilateral meeting, President Trump referenced Japan’s 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor while seated with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in the Oval Office.
- Asked by a Japanese journalist why allies, including Japan, were not told in advance about the Iran operation, Trump said he wanted to preserve surprise.
- He added, according to reporters’ accounts and video clips, “Who knows surprises better than Japan?” and “Why didn’t you tell me about Pearl Harbor?”
- Reporters noted a brief pause in the room, and Takaichi appeared visibly uncomfortable, exhaling slightly and leaning back in her chair.
- Footage of the exchange circulated widely on social media and was picked up by major outlets, with no formal apology or official protest reported in the coverage so far.