President Trump’s casual remark about Pearl Harbor during a White House summit has created a wave of unease and embarrassment across Japan, complicating the crucial U.S.-Japan alliance. More so because he chose to use it as a joke to respond to a fair question while seated next to Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.
Per AP News, when a Japanese reporter asked why he didn’t inform allies about the attack on Iran beforehand, Trump stated, “Who knows better about surprise than Japan? Why didn’t you tell me about Pearl Harbor, OK?” There was some scattered laughter from officials and journalists present, but Takaichi simply widened her eyes and looked toward the reporter, remaining silent with her arms crossed.
