Donald Trump recently met with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in the Oval Office on Thursday. During the meeting, the U.S. President made a joke about the Pearl Harbor attack, drawing a visibly awkward reaction from the Japanese politician.

At one point during the conference, a reporter asked Trump why he didn’t consult with Japan and other allies of the U.S. before deciding to launch strikes on Iran on February 28. In response, the POTUS said, “We didn’t tell anybody about it, because we wanted surprise.” Trump then joked, “Who knows better about surprise than Japan? Okay, why didn’t you tell me about Pearl Harbor?” He added, “You believe in surprise, I think, much more so than us.”

Following the remark, Takaichi appeared to lose her smile as she took a measured breath. A few chuckles could be heard from across the Oval Office in response to the joke, where U.S. officials, including Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and others, were present.

Ahhhh... Donald, you've done it again! 

高市早苗
@takaichi_sanae

Thank you, President
@realDonaldTrump
, for your warm hospitality today at the White House and at this evening’s dinner.

We had substantive and forward-looking discussions across a wide range of issues, reaffirming the strength of the Japan-U.S. Alliance.

It was a truly meaningful and productive day.

I look forward to continuing close cooperation between Japan and the United States to make our two nations stronger and more prosperous.

https://x.com/takaichi_sanae/status/2034827718747935165