WASHINGTON – During a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Thursday, President Donald Trump invoked the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor, responding to a question about why the U.S. Did not inform its allies before launching strikes against Iran on February 28. “We wanted a surprise,” Trump said, according to multiple reports. “Who knows better about surprises than Japan? Why didn’t you tell me about Pearl Harbor?”
The remark, made during a joint press conference in the Oval Office, drew a visible reaction from Prime Minister Takaichi, who reportedly took a deep breath and leaned back in her seat. The incident occurred as Takaichi is navigating a sensitive period in bilateral relations, with Japan facing pressure related to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and potential disruptions to global energy supplies.
The question prompting Trump’s response came from a Japanese reporter who inquired about the lack of prior consultation with allies before the U.S. And Israeli strikes on Iran. Trump defended the decision, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the element of surprise. “We had to surprise them and we did, and because of that surprise, the first two days we probably knocked out 50% of what we — much more than we anticipated doing,” he stated.
The U.S. And Japan, despite being adversaries during World War II, have been allies since the signing of a peace treaty in 1951. The historical context of the Pearl Harbor attack, which led to the U.S. Entering World War II, made Trump’s comment particularly jarring for some observers.
According to reports, several administration officials were present during the exchange, including Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Members of the Japanese delegation and the U.S. And Japanese press corps were also in attendance.
The incident has sparked criticism in Japan, with many perceiving Trump’s remark as disrespectful to a long-standing ally. Reports from Japan indicate widespread shock and dismay over the President’s comments.
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 other European nations, had previously issued a joint statement expressing readiness to contribute to ensuring safe passage through the vital waterway, where approximately 20 percent of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas transit.
As of Friday, March 20, 2026, the Japanese government has not issued a formal response to Trump’s comments beyond Prime Minister Takaichi’s visible reaction during the press conference. Further discussions between the two leaders are scheduled to continue throughout the day, focusing on trade and regional security concerns.
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