In-town pool report #7: Trump-Takaichi remarks on US-Japan relationship / Lid

Trump and Takaichi walked into the State Dining Room together at 7:20pm. POTUS gave brief remarks at the podium, followed by Takaichi. They did not take questions after their remarks. Behind them at the podium were large flags of their two countries and a portrait of Abraham Lincoln on the wall.

Trump began by saying he was “delighted to welcome a great friend and partner for very first visit to the White House” and that they have become “very close.” Takaichi smiled and raised her eyes as Trump spoke. Later, he touted the “historic trade deal” the two countries made last year that he said “will increase our cooperation on everything from energy to semiconductors and ship building and pharmaceuticals. It was a big one, one of the biggest deals ever made.”

Takaichi then gave brief remarks in Japanese. She began by thanking Trump for the dinner and wished his son Barron a happy early birthday. “I know he has grown up so much into a very tall, good looking gentleman. It is clear where he got it.” She then congratulated the U.S. on its 250th anniversary and said Japan is gifting Washington, D.C. an additional 250 cherry trees.

Takaichi added: “A stronger Japan and a stronger America, a more prosperous Japan and a more prosperous America, I am very confident that Donald and I are the best buddies to realize this shared goal.” She smiled and happily shook hands with Trump as the translation was read aloud. “Japan is back,” she added after referencing the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

After her remarks, Trump gave Takaichi an air kiss on the cheek and they walked towards their seats. A few seconds later, it appeared Trump and members of the Japanese delegation were talking about the recent World Baseball Classic. "He's the best player in the world," your pooler overheard Trump say, presumably referring to Japanese star Shohei Ohtani, who plays for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The pool was ushered out of the room at 7:38pm. A lid was called for the night.

Best,

Nik

Nik Popli

Politics Reporter, TIME

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