Trump Suddenly References Japan's Attack on America

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - United States President Donald Trump referenced a sensitive chapter of Japanese history during his meeting with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi at the White House on Thursday (19/3/2026) local time. The discussion arose amid talks on the Iran conflict.

The statement came as Trump responded to a journalist’s question about why Washington did not inform allies, including Japan, prior to launching the attack on Iran on 28 February.

Trump emphasised that the decision was made to preserve the element of surprise in the military operation.

“We didn’t tell anyone because we wanted surprise. Who knows more about surprise than Japan? Why didn’t you tell me about Pearl Harbor?” Trump said, as quoted by CNBC International.

The comment refers to the Attack on Pearl Harbor, Japan’s sudden assault on the US military base in 1941 that killed more than 2,400 people and marked the turning point for America’s entry into the Second World War.

During the meeting, Takaichi reportedly appeared uncomfortable, though she maintained a diplomatic demeanour in public.

Trump also claimed the strike on Iran was effective. He stated that the operation succeeded in destroying around 50% of the anticipated targets in the first two days.

The meeting between the two leaders also addressed global energy route security, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz. Japan has previously expressed readiness to contribute to safeguarding shipping lanes but has not decided on deploying military forces due to its pacifist constitutional limitations.

Trump’s comment alluding to Japan’s “old wound” has elicited varied reactions. Some parties deem the statement insensitive to history, while others see it as a joke in the context of modern military strategy.