Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi also congratulated the U.S. on its forthcoming 250th anniversary
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NEED TO KNOW
- Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi visited President Donald Trump at the White House on Thursday, March 19
- During the White House dinner, Takaichi shared birthday wishes for the president’s youngest child, Barron
- The Japanese politician also congratulated the U.S. on its forthcoming 250th anniversary, saying, “I would like to extend my deepest congratulations to you and the American people”
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi shared a birthday message for President Donald Trump’s youngest child, Barron.
Takaichi, 65, is in Washington, D.C., visiting the president, 79, and on Thursday, March 19 joined Trump for a dinner at the White House. “I would like to start off by extending my sincere congratulations on two important anniversaries," she began her remarks to the room.
She then noted that Barron’s 20th birthday is on March 20. “I know he has grown up so much into a very tall, good looking gentleman,” she said. “Donald, it is very clear where he got it, of course, from his parents. There's no doubt about it.”
“So Donald, if I may ask you, please convey my sincere Happy Birthday wishes to him,” Takaichi said.
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She continued by remarking on the second “important” anniversary, which is the 250th anniversary of the United States.
“As you rightly mentioned, the United States has long been an icon of freedom and democracy in the world, and this year, the United States is marking a historic milestone,” she said. “And on behalf of the government and the people of Japan, I would like to extend my deepest congratulations to you and the American people.”
The Japanese Prime Minister’s comments come after Trump hosted her in the Oval Office on Thursday, March 19, where they spoke to a room of reporters.
Takaichi offered compliments to Trump, saying, “Even against that backdrop [of war], I firmly believe that it is only you, Donald, who can achieve peace across the world.” In return, Trump called Japan's first female prime minister a "popular powerful woman."
Trump then remarked on Japan’s support in the ongoing U.S.-Israel War with Iran. Though the Japanese government has not yet committed specific support for the military action, Trump seemed confident that they would find agreement. “I expect Japan to step up you know, because we have that kind of relationship,” he said. However, one survey found that 82% of Japanese voters oppose Trump's action and the U.S. attacks on Iran.
Trump's call for Japan to provide aid comes less than one month after the U.S. and Israel launched a joint attack on Iran, which has since widened due to Iran's retaliatory strikes on neighboring nations.
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During the sit-down, one Japanese journalist asked Trump why he didn't consult or inform American allies, including Japan, before ordering the initial Feb. 28 attack on Iran that initiated a war.
"We didn't tell anyone about it, because we wanted surprise," Trump said, before attempting a joke. "Who knows better about surprise than Japan? Okay, why didn't you tell me about Pearl Harbor?"
Takaichi's smile dropped after Trump's comment and she appeared to take a slow, deep breath while some reporters in the room chuckled. "You believe in surprise, I think, much more so than us," Trump added.
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