Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi raised a toast to Barron Trump’s upcoming 20th birthday during a State Dining Room dinner hosted by President Donald Trump on Thursday evening.
Compliments for the Birthday Boy
Speaking through a translator, Takaichi noted, ‘Donald, tomorrow is the birthday of your son, Mr. Barron Trump. And I know he has grown up so much, into a very tall, good-looking gentleman.’ The remark sparked cheers and applause from attendees.
She continued, ‘It is clear, Donald, it is very clear where he got it. Of course, from his parents. There is no doubt about it.’
Barron Trump, absent from the event along with First Lady Melania Trump, turns 20 on Friday. He was last seen publicly at President Trump’s State of the Union address last month alongside half-sister Ivanka Trump and the First Lady.
First Female PM’s White House Visit
This dinner marks Takaichi’s inaugural White House trip since her election as Japan’s first female prime minister in October. She traveled without her husband.
The menu featured carrot ginger velouté, Maine lobster au gratin, and strawberry vanilla cream gateau for dessert.
Earlier Pearl Harbor Reference
During a Thursday press exchange, President Trump addressed questions on U.S. military strategy toward Iran, emphasizing the element of surprise. He stated, ‘Who knows better about surprise than Japan? Why didn’t you tell me about Pearl Harbor!’
The 1941 attack on the Hawaiian naval base drew the U.S. into World War II.
IndyCar Race and U.S.-Japan Ties
At the dinner, Takaichi highlighted an upcoming IndyCar race in Washington, D.C., set for August as part of America’s 250th anniversary celebrations. With Honda supplying engines and NTT as a key sponsor, she described it as ‘a perfect example of the friendship between Japan and the United States.’
‘So I do hope that you have a huge success at this racing event,’ she added.
Cherry Blossom Season and Generous Gift
Takaichi referenced the nearing cherry blossom season, a herald of spring, and Japan’s gift of 250 new trees to replace those removed during Tidal Basin restoration.
‘My original plan was to bring so many cherry flowers and directly hand it to you, Donald, but unfortunately, because of the very strict quarantine measures that I couldn’t make this happen,’ she explained.
In his toast, President Trump praised the blossoms as ‘something very special’ and a ‘living symbol of the cherished friendships between two of our world’s most extraordinary nations.’ He noted the capital’s crime-free status amid ongoing National Guard patrols and thanked Japan for the ‘250 beautiful specimen trees,’ promising a future viewing after planting.
Peak bloom around the Tidal Basin is anticipated later this month.
