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Trump: "Japan Knows About Surprises" – Awkward Pearl Harbor Joke in Front of PM Takai

Published March 19, 2026, 20:19
Trump: "Japan Knows About Surprises" – Awkward Pearl Harbor Joke in Front of PM Takai

Donald Trump caused embarrassment during a press conference with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takai, making a controversial joke about the attack on Pearl Harbor. When asked why he did not inform allies about his intention to attack Iran, Trump responded by referring to the 1941 attack and asked Takai why she had not informed him about Pearl Harbor. The comment caused silence in the room, given the historical weight of the attack and the current close alliance between the US and Japan. Trump continued saying that the "surprise" of the attack on Iran had been more successful than expected. This incident is another example of Trump's tendency to make statements without much diplomatic sensitivity, often causing embarrassment at international meetings. The reference to Pearl Harbor, a traumatic event for the US, is considered inappropriate and offensive by many.