Trump Smiles and Says "Wow" as Ishiba Dodges Question on Potential Japanese Retaliation Over U.S. Tariffs

Warm White House Meeting Highlights Strong U.S.-Japan Ties Despite Trade Tensions

The White House summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on February 7 (local time) was marked by a friendly and cordial atmosphere, underscoring the close diplomatic ties between the two nations despite underlying trade tensions.

President Trump warmly welcomed Prime Minister Ishiba at approximately 11:50 a.m. as his motorcade arrived at the West Wing of the White House. U.S. military personnel lined the driveway, holding both the American and Japanese national flags alongside banners representing all 50 U.S. states. Greeting Ishiba with a handshake, Trump responded to a reporter’s question about his message to Japan with a simple yet affectionate, “We love Japan.”

Inside the Oval Office, the two leaders sat side by side in front of the fireplace, where Trump praised Ishiba as “a highly respected person” and commended him for “doing a fantastic job.” Trump also fondly mentioned his late friend, former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, reflecting his personal connection to Japan. In response, Ishiba recalled Trump’s defiant gesture—clenching his fist and shouting “Fight!”—after being injured in an assassination attempt during a campaign rally in July last year. “That photo will remain one of the most unforgettable moments,” Ishiba remarked, adding, “God saved you,” according to the White House press pool.

During the joint press conference following the summit, Ishiba highlighted Japan’s continued commitment to expanding investments in the United States, citing that Japan has been the top investor in the U.S. for five consecutive years, with companies like Toyota leading the charge. Trump, however, stressed the persistent U.S. trade deficit with Japan, emphasizing the need to address this imbalance. Yet, he acknowledged Japan’s tough negotiating skills, remarking, “It’s not surprising because you’re very good negotiators.”

In a notable moment during the Q&A session, Trump mentioned that Nippon Steel had opted to invest in the U.S. rather than pursuing an acquisition of U.S. Steel, although he mistakenly referred to the company as “Nissan,” a slip that did not go unnoticed. Ishiba, when asked by Japanese reporters about his impression of Trump, said, “This is my first time meeting him in person, but I had seen him on TV. He seemed frightening and strong on screen, but in person, he is sincere and powerful.”

Trump criticized the Biden administration for not facilitating energy trade, highlighting Japan’s recent agreement to purchase large quantities of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Alaska. Ishiba supported this claim, noting, “The previous administration didn’t permit LNG exports to us,” and expressed Japan’s interest in importing not just LNG but also bioethanol. Trump responded enthusiastically, saying, “All agricultural states like Iowa and Nebraska will be very happy about this.”

However, when asked whether Japan would retaliate if the U.S. imposed new tariffs, Ishiba carefully dodged the question, stating, “I cannot answer hypothetical questions.” Trump, clearly amused by Ishiba’s diplomatic finesse, smiled broadly and praised him, saying, “That’s a very good answer. Wow. He knows what he’s doing,” effectively concluding the press conference on a light-hearted note.

Interestingly, Ishiba wore a blue tie similar in shade to Trump’s and sported a ‘blue ribbon’ pin symbolizing Japan’s call for the return of abducted Japanese citizens. At the start of the joint press event, Trump presented Ishiba with a framed photo of the two leaders and a copy of his book, joking, “I wish I were as handsome as the Prime Minister, but I’m not.”

This summit highlighted not only the strong personal rapport between the two leaders but also the intricate balance of diplomatic pleasantries and tough negotiations that define U.S.-Japan relations in the current geopolitical landscape.