Washington, DC: US president Donald Trump left the diplomatic community around the world stunned on Thursday by invoking the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbour to justify keeping Japan “in the dark” over recent Iran strikes under Operation Epic Fury.
This happened during an Oval Office summit between him and Japanese prime minister Sanae Takaichi.
“Who knows better about surprise than Japan? Why didn’t you tell me about Pearl Harbour,” Trump shot back when questioned by Japanese media on why Tokyo wasn’t consulted before the February 28 escalation in the Middle East.
The comment pointed to the December 7, 1941, attack on the US Pacific Fleet, the moment that pulled Washington into World War II.
While the attack on Pearl Harbour was a tragic moment in America’s history, such events are not usually brought up during high-level interactions between heads of state.
“It is akin to bringing up the topic of the Holocaust during a summit with the German chanc
ellor,” an Indian diplomat said.
While everyone present was shocked at Trump’s remark, Takaichi – Japan’s first woman premier – successfully navigated the “diplomatic storm” to seal a staggering $73 billion energy pact, trading a “big hug” and a massive nuclear and gas partnership designed to save her tanking domestic approval ratings, as reported by WION.
Trump is facing trouble with his allies, including NATO members, with most showing reluctance in actively participating in the war against Iran. Many believe that Trump’s reaction was a fallout of this.
For a moment after Trump’s comment, the room shifted, and Takaichi’s expression tightened.
The Japanese PM, for her part, did not engage with the remark. She kept her composure and let the moment pass, choosing not to escalate what could have quickly turned awkward. Notably, just minutes before the comment, Trump had struck a noticeably warm tone, praising Japan for “stepping up” on Middle East security and even telling Takaichi, “I’m very proud of you.”
He called her a friend. She greeted him with a hug. Then came the Pearl Harbour line.
For Japan, the stakes are high. The country depends heavily on energy routes like the Strait of Hormuz and on US security guarantees. About 60,000 American troops are stationed in Japan, and the alliance remains central amid rising tensions with China.