Donald Trump was pictured appearing lost during a welcome event at Akasaka Palace in Tokyo on Monday as he was led in circles by Japan’s newly elected Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi
President Donald Trump endured an uncomfortable and disorganised welcome ceremony at Akasaka Palace with Japan’s newly elected Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Monday, during which he required careful guidance as he was led in circles around the room as part of the formal proceedings.
The encounter represented the first chance for Takaichi, a conservative politician and Japan’s first female leader, to establish a relationship with Trump, akin to the bond the president shared with her predecessor Shinzo Abe. In the days leading up to his Asian tour, Trump had lauded Takaichi as a “highly respected person of great wisdom and strength.”
Trump seemed to have his eyes shut as the pair stood side by side on the platform. Takaichi then prompted him to accompany her around the chamber before returning to the podium.
During the entire procession, the president appeared uncertain about his next move.
“That was so chaotic,” one X user commented beneath a video clip capturing the incident, reports the Mirror US. “Let’s get you to bed grandpa,” another remarked. “Like when roomba hits a wall,” a third observed.
Trump was flanked by American officials throughout the welcome ceremony, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. Whilst taking photographs, Trump clasped hands with Takaichi and remarked, “That’s a very strong handshake,” according to The Associated Press.
The U.S. delegation also included White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, who told Takaichi, “Congratulations, we’re so excited for you.”
Trump and Takaichi are set to hold forthcoming meetings. Takaichi used her opening remarks to pay tribute to former Prime Minister Abe, her arch-conservative mentor who developed a close relationship with Trump during the U.S. president’s first term. “As a matter of fact, Prime Minister Abe often told me about your dynamic diplomacy,” she said.
In his own remarks, Trump said, “I want to thank you very much and I want to congratulate you.” He went on, “Shinzo Abe was a great friend of mine,” and added, “he spoke so well of you.”
Trump said Abe “would be very happy to know that” Takaichi was now prime minister. Abe was gunned down on July 8, 2022, whilst delivering an election campaign speech.
Trump recalled being devastated by Abe”.’s murder. The president offered particularly glowing praise to Takaichi, telling her, “Anything I can do to help Japan, we will be there.”
He said his pledge to support Japan in all circumstances extended to any “favours you need. “You’re going to do a fantastic job, and we’re going to have a fantastic relationship,” he said.
Trump also celebrated Takaichi becoming the first woman to hold the position, saying, “That’s a big deal,” before adding, “You will be one of the great prime ministers.”
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