Overview
- During an Oval Office appearance with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, President Trump answered a Japanese reporter by saying, “Who knows better about surprise than Japan? Why didn’t you tell me about Pearl Harbor?”
- The president said secrecy was essential for the Feb. 28 operation against Iran and claimed early strikes “probably knocked out 50%” of targets.
- Takaichi appeared uneasy as some in the room reacted, and video of the moment spread widely across news outlets.
- Trump praised Japan for “stepping up,” yet Tokyo has not committed naval escorts, citing legal limits, while joining statements that signal readiness to support safe passage through the strait.
- He confirmed the Pentagon plans to seek about $200 billion for ongoing operations and again criticized NATO partners for declining to join maritime security efforts.