TOKYO: A welcome ceremony for US President Donald Trump at Tokyo’s Akasaka Palace during his Asia tour has led to a viral video and a swift, strongly worded reaction from the official White House social media account. The incident occurred on Tuesday during a reportedly “disorganised” ceremony where Trump was escorted by Japan’s new Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, marking their first meeting.
The Viral Moment
The ceremony, which included an honour guard and an accompanying band from Japan’s Self-Defense Force, became a subject of controversy when a video clip of the President’s movement around the room went viral online.
- Following the ceremony’s conclusion, PM Takaichi, 64 (who took office less than a week ago, becoming Japan’s first female PM), began circling the room in a clockwise direction.
- President Trump, 79, trailed behind. When he momentarily paused and stopped beside the band, Takaichi extended her arm, appearing to encourage him to keep walking.
- After nearly completing the circuit, Trump stopped again, this time in front of his own delegation. Takaichi then reportedly extended her hand to help him return to the platform.
Segments of this interaction quickly circulated online, fueling speculation and comment on the President’s movements and health, which follows a recent report of him undergoing an MRI scan.
White House’s Fiery Defense
The official White House Rapid Response 47 account on X (formerly Twitter) reacted with clear dissatisfaction over the viral clip’s portrayal of the President.
In a direct response to the widely shared video posted by X user Acyn, the White House account released a longer version of the incident and included a confrontational message:
“Why didn’t you share the full video, dumba–?”
The administration’s unusual and aggressive public defence attempted to contextualize the event and push back against the narrative suggested by the shorter clip.
Netizen Reaction to the Clarification
The White House’s attempt to quell the controversy was met with mixed and often critical reactions from other X users:
- One user mocked the effort, stating, “All the full video does is make him look worse. You should have thanked them for only sharing a small part!”
- Another suggested a more benign explanation, pointing out a potential “language barrier” to explain the polite guidance offered by Takaichi.
- A third user drew a comparison to a previous incident involving his predecessor, chiming in, “They’re pretending it’s like when Biden got led around by the freaking Easter Bunny 😂,” referring to past public debates over the health and public appearances of former President Biden.
Despite the awkward moment, Trump and PM Takaichi proceeded to a bilateral meeting. Trump stated that Japan views the United States as “an ally at the strongest level.” The two leaders exchanged gifts, with Takaichi giving the golf enthusiast a golf bag signed by PGA tour pro Hideki Matsuyama, and Trump giving Takaichi former Prime Minister Abe’s putter.