Featured Image Credit: Sky News
Topics: World News, Donald Trump, US News, Iran
Lucy Devine
The Oval Office was left in awkward silence after President Donald Trump made a joke about Pearl Harbour in front of the Japanese Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi.
In a meeting with Takaichi in the Oval Office of the White House this week, Trump was asked about why he didn't inform anyone about plans to launch strikes on Iran at the end of last month.
Unfortunately, while answering the question, Trump made a mortifying quip regarding Pearl Harbour, which didn't appear to go down very well.
Trump began by answering the question: "Well, one thing, you don’t want to signal too much.
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"You know, when we go in, we went in very hard, and we didn’t tell anybody about it because we wanted... surprise.
"Who knows better about surprise than Japan, why didn't you tell me about Pearl Harbour, right?"
Despite a few laughs at the initial comment, shocked noises also followed from reporters in the room.
Meanwhile, Takaichi remained silent on the comment, but looked visibly uncomfortable at the joke.
Reacting online, one person called it 'horrible' on X, while another said: "Undoubtedly the worst American diplomatic gaffe in post-war US-Japan history."
And a third added: "Trump jokes about Pearl Harbour to Japan’s PM. Her face. Her face says it all."
Tyla has reached out to the White House for comment.
A spokesperson said: “President Trump has hosted far more foreign leaders than his recent predecessors because he has restored our country’s place as the strongest in the world. Americans and visitors alike appreciate President Trump’s candor and sense of humor. He’s the most honest and transparent President in history!”
Trump's joke referred to the surprise Japanese attack on US warships at Pearl Harbour in the Second World War.
The attack took place on 7 December 1941, with 177 aircraft attacking the naval base in Hawaii.
A second wave of 163 Japanese aircraft followed an hour later, killing 2,390 Americans.
The US declared war on Japan the following day.
On Thursday (19 March) Takaichi had warm words for Trump, telling the president via a translator: "I firmly believe that it is only you, Donald, who can achieve peace across the world.
"I am ready to reach out to many of the partners in the international community to achieve our objective together."
Japan also issued a joint statement along with the UK, France, Germany Italy and the Netherlands, explaining their 'readiness to contribute to appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait'.
They added that they 'welcome the commitment of nations who are engaging in preparatory planning' before condemning Iran's 'recent attacks by Iran on unarmed commercial vessels in the Gulf, attacks on civilian infrastructure including oil and gas installations, and the de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iranian forces.'