WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump invoked the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor during a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Thursday, responding to a question about why the U.S. Did not consult with allies before launching strikes against Iran on February 28. “Who knows better about surprise than Japan? Okay. Why didn’t you tell me about Pearl Harbor?” Trump said, according to multiple reports from the meeting.
The remark, made in the Oval Office, came after a Japanese reporter questioned the lack of prior notification to allies, including Japan, regarding the military operation in Iran. Trump defended the decision, stating the U.S. Sought to maintain the element of surprise. “Well one thing, you don’t want to signal too much, you know?” he said, as reported by CBS News. “When we go in, we went in very hard. And we didn’t tell anyone about it since we wanted surprise.”
Takaichi, who recently achieved a landslide electoral victory, appeared visibly taken aback by the President’s comments, with reports describing an “uneasy expression” and a momentary widening of her eyes. She largely responded through a translator during the event. The White House later posted a photograph of Trump and Takaichi together, both giving a thumbs-up gesture.
The comparison to Pearl Harbor, which resulted in the deaths of over 2,400 Americans and propelled the U.S. Into World War II, drew a mix of reactions from those present, including gasps and murmurs. Trump continued, stating, “No, you believe in surprise I reckon much more so than us,” and emphasized the necessity of maintaining secrecy to achieve a military advantage. He claimed the surprise attack on Iran “knocked out 50% of what we anticipated” within the first two days of the conflict, according to CNBC.
The U.S. Strikes against Iran, which began on February 28, initiated a war now entering its third week. During the meeting, Trump also praised Japan for “stepping up” to assist in efforts to secure the Strait of Hormuz, contrasting their involvement with what he characterized as a lack of support from NATO. Japan, along with several European nations – Britain, France, Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands – had previously issued a joint statement expressing a willingness to contribute to ensuring safe passage through the Strait, according to reports.
The incident occurred during Prime Minister Takaichi’s first visit to Washington since assuming office, making her the first major ally leader to meet with President Trump following the commencement of hostilities with Iran. No immediate public response was issued by the Japanese Prime Minister following the meeting regarding the President’s remarks.
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