Trending Now - Trump Comments on Pearl Harbor Amid Japan's Alliance Efforts

WHO:

President Donald Trump

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth

Vice President JD Vance

Secretary of State Marco Rubio

U.S. Navy

GE Vernova Inc.

Hitachi Ltd.

WHAT:

Trump referenced Pearl Harbor during a meeting with Takaichi, stating the U.S. "wanted surprise" regarding the Iran attacks.

Operation Epic Fury was launched by the U.S. on February 28, 2026, and is on day 20 as of March 19, 2026.

Trump stated, "Iran is a serious threat to the world, to the Middle East and to the world."

A $40 billion nuclear reactor deal is expected to be announced, involving GE Vernova Inc. and Hitachi Ltd. to build advanced small modular reactors in Tennessee and Alabama.

WHERE:

The meeting took place at the White House in Washington, D.C.

The U.S. Navy's USS Abraham Lincoln was involved in the Operation Epic Fury attack from an undisclosed location.

WHEN:

The meeting occurred on March 19, 2026.

Operation Epic Fury was launched on February 28, 2026.

WHY:

Trump expressed a desire for Japan to support U.S. efforts in the Strait of Hormuz due to Japan's reliance on oil passing through the region.

Takaichi sought to reaffirm the alliance with Trump amid tensions regarding Japan's support for the Iran war.

HOW:

Trump and Takaichi discussed Japan's level of support for the U.S. in the Iran war during their meeting.

Takaichi appealed to Trump's desire to be seen as a peacemaker while addressing concerns about Iran's nuclear program.

(UPDATED March 19, 2026 19:25 UTC)

In a meeting at the White House today, President Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi discussed Japan's support for U.S. efforts in the Iran war, with Trump referencing Pearl Harbor and emphasizing that Iran poses a serious threat to the world. The conversation comes as Operation Epic Fury, launched on February 28, continues, with the U.S. Navy's USS Abraham Lincoln playing a role in the ongoing military actions. Additionally, a significant $40 billion nuclear reactor deal involving GE Vernova Inc. and Hitachi Ltd. is expected to be announced, aimed at building advanced small modular reactors in Tennessee and Alabama.