White House Press Pool Reports

Foreign Pool Report #14 Dinner Guest List White House has provided the dinner guest list for tonight: A dinner in honor of Her Excellency TAKAICHI Sanae, Prime Minister of Japan Thursday, March 19, 2026 1. The President of the United States 2. Her Excellency TAKAICHI Sanae, Prime Minister of Japan 3. Mr. Andrew Abboud 4. Dr. Miriam Adelson 5. Mr. AKAHORI Takeshi, Senior Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs 6. His Excellency AKAZAWA Ryosei, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry 7. Mr. Jim Allen 8. Mr. Cristiano Amon 9. Mr. ARAI Masayoshi, Director-General, Trade Policy Bureau, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry 10. Mr. ARIMA Yutaka, Director-General, Foreign Policy Bureau, Ministry of Foreign Affairs 11. The Honorable Scott Bessent, Secretary of the Treasury 12. The Honorable James Blair 13. The Honorable Pam Bondi, Attorney General 14. Mr. Greg Brockman and Mrs. Anna Brockman 15. The Honorable Doug Burgum, Secretary of the Interior 16. The Honorable Lori Chavez-DeRemer, Secretary of Labor 17. The Honorable Sean Duffy, Secretary of Transportation 18. Mr. Larry Fink 19. The Honorable George Glass, Ambassador of the United States to Japan and Mrs. Amy Glass 20. Mr. David Goeckeler 21. The Honorable Jamieson Greer, United States Trade Representative 22. The Honorable Bill Hagerty, United States Senator from Tennessee and Mrs. Christine Hagerty 23. Mr. HAYASHI Makoto, Executive Secretary to the Prime Minister 24. The Honorable Pete Hegseth, Secretary of War 25. Mr. ICHIKAWA Keiichi, National Security Advisor 26. Mr. IIDA Yuji, Executive Secretary to the Prime Minister 27. Mr. IIJIMA Isao, Special Advisor to the Cabinet 28. Mr. Takajiro Ishikawa 29. Mr. KANO Koji, Vice Minister of Defense for International Affairs 30. Dr. Alex Karp 31. Mr. Arvind Krishna 32. Mr. KUMAGAI Naoki, Director General of the North American Affairs Bureau in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs 33. The Honorable Kelly Loeffler, Administrator of the Small Business Administration 34. Mr. Palmer Luckey 35. The Honorable Howard Lutnick, Secretary of Commerce 36. Mr. MATANO Motosada, Director-General, Economic Affairs Bureau, Ministry of Foreign Affairs 37. Mr. Hideki Matsuyama 38. The Honorable Linda McMahon, Secretary of Education 39. Mr. Sanjay Mehrotra 40. Mr. Michael Miebach 41. Mr. Jason Miller 42. Mr. Jeff Miller 43. The Honorable Stephen Miller 44. Mr. MIMURA Atsushi, Vice Minister of Finance for International Affairs, Ministry of Finance 45. His Excellency MOTEGI Toshimitsu, Minister of Foreign Affairs 46. Mr. NAMAZU Hiroyuki, Senior Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan 47. Mr. Michael Needham 48. Mr. Tetsuo Ogawa 49. Mr. Kelly Ortberg 50. Mr. OZAKI Masanao, Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary 51. Mr. Sundar Pichai 52. Mr. Ted Pick 53. The Honorable James Risch, United States Senator from Idaho and Mrs. Vicki Risch 54. Mr. Horacio Rozanski 55. The Honorable Marco Rubio, Secretary of State 56. Mr. SAIKI Kozo, Cabinet Secretary for Public Affairs 57. Mr. Shyam Sankar 58. Mr. Masayoshi Son 59. Mr. James Taiclet 60. Mr. TAKAZAWA Yoshinori, Director, First North America Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs 61. Mr. Charlie Takeuchi 62. Mr. Hock Tan 63. The Honorable Scott Turner, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development 64. The Vice President of the United States 65. The Honorable Russell Vought, Director of the Office of Management and Budget 66. The Honorable Chris Wright, Secretary of Energy 67. His Excellency YAMADA Shigeo, Ambassador of Japan to the United States of America 68. The Honorable Lee Zeldin, Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency Best, Mineko Mineko Tokito The Yomiuri Shimbun Thu. Mar 19, 8:57 PM

📅 President Trump’s Weekend Schedule Friday, Mar. 20 - Monday, Mar. 23, 2026 📅 FRIDAY, MARCH 20, 2026 8:00 AM EDT THE PRESIDENT participates in Executive Time 📍 The White House 10:30 AM EDT THE PRESIDENT participates in the Commander in Chief Trophy Presentation 📍 East Room 1:30 PM EDT THE PRESIDENT participates in a Policy Meeting 📍 Oval Office THE PRESIDENT departs The White House en route Palm Beach, Florida 📍 The White House 📅 SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 2026 8:00 AM EDT THE PRESIDENT participates in Executive Time 📍 Palm Beach, Florida 📅 SUNDAY, MARCH 22, 2026 8:00 AM EDT THE PRESIDENT participates in Executive Time 📍 Palm Beach, Florida 📅 MONDAY, MARCH 23, 2026 8:00 AM EDT THE PRESIDENT participates in Executive Time 📍 Palm Beach, Florida THE PRESIDENT departs Palm Beach, Florida, en route Memphis, Tennessee 📍 Palm Beach, Florida 12:00 PM CDT THE PRESIDENT participates in the Memphis Safe Task Force Roundtable 📍 Memphis, Tennessee THE PRESIDENT departs Memphis, Tennessee, en route Washington, D.C. 📍 Memphis, Tennessee THE PRESIDENT arrives The White House 📍 The White House Distributed on Fri. Mar. 20, 2026

Foreign Pool Report #13 More Dinner Scene This is a post-lid report as lid was declared at 7:44pm. There were no questions taken by the two leaders, but the remarks were made in a very friendly environment. Takaichi chose a sparkly dark grey suit with double stranded pearls for dinner and was carrying a white handbag (vogue.co.uk/fashion/articl…) , again channeling her inner Thatcher. As a side note, since Palantir's Alex Karp was in attendance, Takaichi had met with Palantir's Peter Thiel (mofa.go.jp/na/na2/us/page…) earlier this month in Tokyo. Takaichi's remarks are as follows: Takaichi (Through Translator) The honorable president, Donald J Trump. Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, I would like to take this opportunity to express my deepest gratitude for hosting such a beautiful dinner for me and my delegation. Donald, thank you very much for your warm feelings toward Japan and your friendship, if that's no anniversary. So tonight, I would like to start off by extending my sincere congratulations on two important anniversaries. The first one is a birthday celebration. 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 (she used the word ikemen) gentleman. Donald, it is very clear where he got it, of course, from his parents. There's no doubt about it. So Donald, if I may ask you, please convey my sincere Happy Birthday wishes to him. The second one is the America's 250th anniversary of the United States. As you rightly mentioned, the United States has long been an icon of freedom and democracy in the world, and this year, the United States is marking a historic milestone. And on behalf of the government and the people of Japan, I would like to extend my deepest congratulations to you and the American people. And I understand that in August this year, at Donald's suggestion, Indy car race freedom 250 grand prix will be held here in Washington, DC. This race will bring roaring Chevrolets and Honda engines to the National Mall. In addition, Japan's NTT group has been a title sponsor of the Indy Car Series. As you see, Indy Car Race is a perfect, 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. (Takaichi is a huge car enthusiast and she very passionately delivered the remarks about the Indy Car race) Speaking of our friendship here in Washington, DC, Japanese Sakura or cherry trees have long been letting us know the arrival of spring, and also it has been a symbol of the history of Japan- US friendship. And this is also something that Donald already mentioned, but I would like to reiterate, this year Japan extends a gift of additional 250 cherry trees to Washington, DC to celebrate America 250. Actually, 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 mimes carrying a bouquet of cherry blossoms as she is speaking, saying, I really wanted to come and say "Donald, nice to see you again (in English)" with arm full of flowers, but…") 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. Late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who was Donald's dear friend and also my dear friend too, eloquently said one phrase here in Washington, DC, upon his visit. And as I stand here today, I would like to repeat what he said With greater pride and confidence: Takaichi: Japan is back! (in English) Japan, once again, will lead the innovation in the world and the new Japan stands ready to play an even greater role for world’s peace. Japan will continue to walk on such path, together with Donald and together with the American people. Let us together create a new chapter in the history of Japan. US Alliance, a chapter filled with hope and strength. Thank you very much. Your pooler is signing off for the day. Thank you for coming along on this journey. It was a pleasure to be your foreign pooler. As we say in Japanese, otsukaresamadeshita or "thank you for your hard work." Best, Mineko Mineko Tokito The Yomiuri Shimbun Thu. Mar 19, 8:18 PM

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 TIME Thu. Mar. 19, 7:48 PM

In-town pool report #6: dinner Pool is assembled in the back of the State Dining Room for the President’s remarks before a dinner with Japan’s PM Takaichi. The event is live streamed. There are seven round tables decorated with gold cutlery and gold tablecloths. On the menu is carrot ginger velouté, Maine lobster au gratin with corn puree and asparagus, and strawberry and vanilla cream gateau. Photo of the menu attached. A podium is set up in the front of the room. Several Cabinet members and senior Admin officials are seated at each table along with members of the Japanese delegation. Google CEO Sundar Pichai and Rubio are seated at the table that Trump and Takaichi will soon join. Palantir CEO Alex Karp is at a table with Bessent and Senator Risch. Vance is seated at a table with Stephen Miller. Also spotted: Hegseth, Bondi, Lutnick, Bessent, Greer, Rollins, McMahon, Turner, Loeffler, Wright, Burgum, and Blair. Nik Popli TIME Thu. Mar. 19, 7:17 PM

Foreign Pool Report #12 Dinner scene Pool was held in the East Room while we listened to melodies come through the door such as, Kawa no Nagare no Youni “Like the Flow of the River” a famous 1989 Japanese song by Misora Hibari followed by a jaunty rendition of My Neighbor Totoro. (Your pooler is an avid Ghibli fan and could not contain her excitement.) Pool was escorted into the State Dining Room at 7pm. We were brought into a display of about 7 round tables filled with Japanese delegation and U.S. administration, elected officials and ambassadors and industry giants. One of PM Takaichi’s favorite songs X Japan’s Rusty Nail played in the background while guests enjoyed lively conversations. METI minister Akazawa sat at Secretary Bessent’s table, where Palantir’s Alex Karp stood up and bowed to him. At another table, VP Vance clinked glasses with Foreign Minister Motegi. Google’s Sundar Pinchai was also in attendance. President Trump and PM Takaichi entered together around 7:18pm and President Trump began remarks, speaking of Takaichi’s electoral victory and how she is visiting at the cusp of the cherry blossom season. President Trump said that the 250 gifted cherry blossom trees were in the process of being planted and that Takaichi would need to come back To check them out. President Trump spoke on the trade deal between US and Japan “one of the biggest deals ever made” He repeated that Takaichi was a spectacular woman and that it was a honor to have her at the White House. Takaichi began speaking at 7:29pm. She expressed the deepest gratitude of hosting a “beautiful dinner” (she said that part in English) for her and her delegation. She wished Barron Trump an early happy birthday, saying he took after his parents and was very “ikemen” or good looking in Japanese slang. She mentioned the August Indycar race and how Honda race cars would be roaring on DC streets She said she was wanted to bring him a cherry blossom tree but that she forgot about the strict quarantine measures for live plants. She said that she and Donald were “best buddies” She tag teamed with her interpreter to say that Japan is back. Pool was escorted out at 7:35pm to the familiar strains of Furusato, 1914 children’s song that every Japanese person knows. Mineko Tokito Abe The Yomiuri Shimbun Thu. Mar 19, 7:44 PM

Foreign Pool Report #11 Gathering for Dinner Pool has been summoned and we are being escorted in for the dinner. Mineko Tokito Abe The Yomiuri Shimbun Thu. Mar. 19, 6:41 PM

Foreign Pool Report #10 Kantei and the PM begin to share posts of the US-Japan meeting It is morning in Japan the X account of the Japanese Prime Minister's Residence, Kantei, has begun to share content from the US-Japan meeting "I met with President Trump. We confirmed our collaboration between Japan and the United States toward the early realization of peace and stability in the Middle East region, including energy security. Additionally, we agreed to make concrete our cooperation aimed at strengthening economic security in strategically important fields such as critical minerals and bolstering the Japan-U.S. alliance that supports peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific." Thepost (x.com/kantei/status/…) is accompanied by a photo of the two leaders smiling in a friendly mid-handshake pose. The Kantei also shared the video (x.com/kantei/status/…) from the Prime Minister's briefing with the traveling press. The Kantei also shared more photos (x.com/kantei/status/…) of the bilateral as well as President Trump giving PM Takaichi a tour of the Presidential Walk of Fame. Photos of the arrival (x.com/kantei/status/…) are also being shared. The Prime Minister herself justposted (x.com/takaichi_sanae…) the following, alongside photos from earlier: "Today, I visited the White House and held a Japan-U.S. summit meeting with President Trump. Regarding the ongoing tense situation in Iran, we confirmed the importance of swiftly calming the situation and ensuring the safety of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and the stable supply of energy. This is also important from the perspective of protecting our country's national interests. I conveyed these thoughts to President Trump and confirmed that we will continue firm communication to realize them. I also proposed initiatives to stabilize the global energy market. We reached agreements on expanding and procuring crude oil production in the United States, cooperation on small modular reactors (SMRs), and even cooperation on the development of rare earth mud in the waters around Minamitorishima. This will contribute to our country's resource and energy security. We also exchanged views on China, North Korea, and other matters. In particular, regarding the North Korean abduction issue, I conveyed my own determination, and President Trump promised full cooperation. Through this meeting, I believe it was a significant achievement to have confirmed many specific areas of cooperation to further enhance the "quality" of the Japan-U.S. alliance across a wide range of fields, including security, economic security, and the economy. Additionally, we confirmed our commitment to vigorously advance a "Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)" together with President Trump. Going forward, I will continue close interactions with President Trump, aiming for even greater heights in the Japan-U.S. alliance." Mineko Tokito Abe The Yomiuri Shimbun Thu. Mar. 19, 6:24 PM

In-town pool report #5: dinner lid until 6:30pm Dinner lid until 6:30pm. Note that at 7:15pm the President will be having dinner with the Prime Minister of Japan in the State Dining Room. It is open to the pool and will be streamed. Nik Popli TIME Thu. Mar. 19, 5:43 PM

Foreign Pool Report #9 Takaichi briefs her Traveling Press Below please find some information to tide you over until dinner remarks: Prime Minister Takaichi left the White House after bilateral meetings concluded and debriefed the Japanese traveling press on the talks. She will return to the White House for the planned dinner: Topics discussed: (On Energy Security) "With Japan’s crude oil procurement in Asia in mind, we confirmed that Japan and the United States will work together to expand U.S. energy production." "I conveyed our desire to establish a joint venture to stockpile crude oil procured from the United States. Diversifying our sources of supply will contribute to the stable energy supply for Japan and Asia." (On Cooperation on resolving the abduction issue) “I also conveyed that I myself am very eager to meet with Mr. Kim Jong Un directly. We discussed the process for doing so. It appears they are willing to cooperate in various ways.” (On Critical Minerals) "the two sides finalized three projects, including cooperation on the development of marine mineral resources—such as rare earth mud—in the waters around Minamitorishima." (On the Security Sector) “The two sides agreed to advance a wide range of security cooperation, including joint development and production of missiles, to strengthen the deterrence and response capabilities of the Japan-U.S. Alliance.” The brief exchange: Question on the outcomes of the meeting and if Japan was directly asked to dispatch naval vessels to the Strait of Hormuz and how she responded, if such a request was made. There was an additional question on whether there were any requests regarding an increase in defense spending in the security sector and whether there had been any progress on the second phase of investment in the US. Takaichi: Thank you for your hard work. First, I would like to address the situation in Iran. I clearly conveyed Japan’s position on the need for an early resolution of the situation. We confirmed that Japan and the United States will continue to maintain close communication toward achieving peace and stability in the Middle East, including the safety of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and a stable supply of energy. Regarding the stable supply of energy in particular, with Japan’s crude oil procurement in Asia in mind, we confirmed that Japan and the United States will work together to expand the production of U.S. energy. I also conveyed to President Trump that Japan wishes to realize a joint project to stockpile crude oil procured from the United States. Since diversifying sources of supply contributes to the stable energy supply for Japan and Asia, we subsequently discussed economic issues such as critical minerals and energy. Regarding critical minerals, we were able to finalize three documents covering cooperation on specific projects and cooperation on the development of marine mineral resources, including rare earth mud, in the waters around Minamitorishima. In the energy sector, we announced the second wave of projects under our strategic investment initiative, which includes the construction of small modular reactors (SMRs). We believe this is of critical importance given the rapid growth in global energy demand and the current situation, including developments in the Middle East. We also discussed various issues concerning China and North Korea. We reaffirmed our commitment to continue close cooperation between Japan and the United States. President Trump offered strategic support for the immediate resolution of the abduction issue. We also confirmed that we will jointly and vigorously promote a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP). Furthermore, in the security sector, to strengthen the deterrence and response capabilities of the Japan-U.S. Alliance, we agreed to advance a wide range of security cooperation, including the joint development and production of missiles. Amid turbulent international circumstances and growing uncertainty, a strong Japan-U.S. alliance is indispensable for maximizing Japan’s national interests. Through this meeting, we were able to confirm many concrete cooperative measures to further enhance the quality of our alliance across a wide range of fields, including the economy, economic security, and security. Moving forward, we will continue to work with President Trump to take the Japan-U.S. alliance to even greater heights. Q. Was there any discussion about whether President Trump would directly engage North Korea on the issue of abductions, or about future efforts in this regard? Takaichi: While I cannot go into specifics regarding diplomatic exchanges, I did convey to him that I personally have a very strong desire to meet with Mr. Kim Jong-un directly. We discussed that process. They have agreed to cooperate in various ways. Q. How did the discussion regarding the dispatch of naval vessels go? Takaichi: While the conversation was of a sensitive nature, the consensus was that ensuring the safety of the Strait of Hormuz is of the utmost importance. However, there are certain actions we can and cannot take within the scope of Japanese law, so I provided a detailed and thorough explanation of this matter. ### Mineko Tokito Abe The Yomiuri Shimbun Thu. Mar 19, 5:22 PM

Americans Agree that Operation Epic Fury Is an Overwhelming Success FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 03/19/26 • Americans Agree that Operation Epic Fury Is an Overwhelming Success Under the decisive leadership of President Donald J. Trump, Operation Epic Fury is delivering overwhelming, devastating success against the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism. In just three weeks, America’s unmatched military has obliterated the Iranian regime’s air and naval capabilities, demolished its ballistic missile arsenal and production facilities, annihilated more than 7,000 targets, and crippled its ability to fund and arm terrorist proxies. Despite a relentless campaign by the Fake News and the Radical Left to manufacture tales of “division” to distract from this historic triumph, it is clear the American people — and President Trump’s base — stand firmly behind our warriors and their Commander-in-Chief as we accomplish the mission. • Polling confirms unified support among President Trump’s base: • Vandenberg Coalition/TargetPoint (vandenbergcoalition.org/mar_survey/) : 94% of MAGA-aligned Americans — and 84% of Republicans overall — support (freebeacon.com/national-secur…) Operation Epic Fury. • NBC News (nbcnews.com/politics/trump….) : 90% of MAGA Republicans — and nearly 80% of Republicans overall — back the operation. • CNN (cnn.com/2026/03/02/pol…) : 88% of MAGA Republicans — and 77% of Republicans overall — approve of the strikes crushing the Iranian regime. • The Economist/YouGov (d3nkl3psvxxpe9.cloudfront.net/documents/econ…) : 87% of MAGA Republicans — and 81% of Republicans overall — support President Trump’s handling of Iran. • YouGov (yougov.com/en-us/articles…) : 85% of MAGA Republicans support U.S. strikes on the Iranian regime. • J.L. Partners (nypost.com/2026/03/19/us-…) : 83% of Republicans support Operation Epic Fury, with only 9% opposed. • Broader American support remains solid amid the Iranian regime’s longstanding aggression: • The Washington Post (washingtonpost.com/politics/inter…) : A plurality of Americans back U.S. action against Iran — with approval rising as victories mount. • Rasmussen Reports (rasmussenreports.com/public_content…) : 61% say (rasmussenreports.com/public_content…) Operation Epic Fury has been successful so far. • Fox News (foxnews.com/politics/fox-n…) : More than six-in-ten Americans view (foxnews.com/politics/fox-n….) the Iranian regime as a real national security threat. President Trump promised decisive action to end the Iranian regime’s decades of murderous aggression (whitehouse.gov/articles/2026/…) against Americans — and thanks to his Peace Through Strength agenda, we are not just responding, we are winning. The regime that chanted “Death to America” is now reeling — its terrorist capabilities shattered, its leadership crippled, and its power fading by the hour. No amount of fake controversy or rooting against America’s success will dim that reality. ### Distributed on March 19th, 2026.

Foreign Pool Report #8 White House shares photos The White House X account has starting posting photos of President Trump and Prime Minister Takaichi in the Diplomatic Room giving a thumbs up pose: x.com/WhiteHouse/sta… The White House also shared a quote from PM Takaichi along with a photo of the Oval Office bilateral meeting: "I firmly believe that it is only you, Donald, who can achieve peace across the world. To do so, I am ready to reach out to many of the partners in the international community to achieve our objective together." - Japanese Prime Minister x.com/WhiteHouse/sta… Mineko Tokito The Yomiuri Shimbun Thu. Mar 19, 2:36 PM

Foreign Pool Report #7 Takaichi reaction to Pearl Harbor remark Earlier in the Oval, when President Trump was answering the question about why he didn't notify allies about his intentions to strike Iran, he said, "well, one thing, you don't want to signal too much. You know, when we go in, we went in very hard, and we didn't tell anybody about it because we wanted surprise. Who knows better about surprise than Japan, ok?" "Why didn't you tell me about Pearl Harbor, ok? Right? He's asking me--no, you believe in surprise, I think much more so than us. And we had a surprise, and we did, and because of that surprise, we knocked out, the first two days we probably knocked out 50% of what we and much more than we anticipated doing. So if I go and tell everybody about it is no longer a surprise, right?" When President Trump likened the U.S. element of surprise to Japan's 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor, Prime Minister Takaichi viscerally reacted, her eyes widening and her smile disappearing as she leaned back (x.com/atrupar/status…) , drawing her hands in, clearly taken aback by the sudden mention of Pearl Harbor. Mineko Tokito Abe The Yomiuri Shimbun Thu. Mar. 19, 2:00 PM

Foreign Pool Report #6 More Takaichi remarks Takaichi first said in English, "Thank you Donald for inviting me to the White House today." She then turned to Mr. Takao, her interpreter, who President Trump recognized, saying, "please, you have a very good interpreter." In her opening remarks she said through Mr. Takao: "Right now situations in the Middle East and also the entire world, we are actually experiencing a very severe security environment, and also the global economy is now about to experience a huge hit because of this development. But even against that backdrop, I firmly believe that it is only you, Donald, who can achieve peace across the world, and to do so I am ready to reach out to many of the partners in the international community to achieve our objective together." "So today I came here at the White House to directly convey this message to you. And speaking of the situation in Iran, Iran's development of nuclear weapons must never be allowed, and that is why we Japan, have been urging them and also reaching out to other partners in the world." "In addition, Japan condemns Iran's actions such as attacking the neighboring region, and also the de facto or effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz. As a matter of fact, by fellow minister, Minister Motegi, Foreign Minister Motegi also had the direct exchange with the Iranian Foreign Minister and urged Iran to stop such activities" "And also the security environment in the Indo Pacific region is also becoming increasingly severe. Donald, you have shown deep trust in Japan and also the unwavering commitment to the Japan US Alliance. Once again, thank you very much for that" "And today I look forward to having a discussion on how we can cooperate to make our two nations, both Japan and the United States, stronger and more prosperous." "And I also brought specific proposals to calm down the global energy market." "So today I really look forward to having our discussion, particularly focusing on our collaboration in economic security, in the important areas such as energy and rare earth minerals. And also, I look forward to discussing with you how we can make our two economies stronger moving forward. Thank you very much." She answered one question on China: Q. Japan's biggest concern is China. Now they're giving us very harsh terms to criticize us. Do you plan to broker a relationship between Japan and China while you're there? The question was meant for President Trump, but she took the opportunity to answer through Mr. Takao. "So first of all, Japan has been consistently open to dialog with China. And also second, we have been addressing our relationship with China. And also speaking of the US China relationship, my sincere hope is that the relationship will be something conducive for regional security and also ensuring a global supply chain in the world. Once again, I would like to reiterate that Japan has been consistently open to dialog with China." Your pooler was directly behind the Japanese delegation and could not see, but she observed Japan's Ambassador to the US Yamada, nodding along to what PM Takaichi was saying. PM Takaichi wore large pearls, an embroidered blue suit and skirt, black heels and her legislative pin and blue ribbon pin to call attention to the Japanese citizens abducted by North Korea. Earlier, the WH shared a short video (youtube.com/shorts/dOzBU5S…) on PM Takaichi's arrival to the South entrance. You can observe President Trump throwing open his arms in welcome, and her going in for a hug instead of a handshake. We are in a lunch lid until 1:30pm. Mineko Tokito Abe The Yomiuri Shimbun Thu. Mar. 19, 12:48 PM

In-town pool report #4: lunch lid until 1:30pm / additional quotes from bilat Lunch lid until 1:30pm. Here are some additional quotes from Trump to reporters in the Oval Office earlier: On why he didn't tell allies about the war before attacking Iran: "We wanted it to be a surprise. Who knows better about surprise than Japan? Why didn't you tell me about Pearl Harbor?" Trump confirmed that he may seek $200 billion in new Pentagon funding, calling it a "small price to pay to make sure that we stay tippy top." He denied that U.S. is running out of weapons. “We want to be in the best shape, the best shape we’ve ever been in…We’re asking for a lot of reasons, beyond even what we’re talking about in Iran. Munitions in particular, at the high end we have a lot, but we’re preserving it.” More from his comments on the US-Japan relationship: “We’ve had tremendous support and relationship with Japan on everything…And I believe that, based on statements that were given to us yesterday, the day before yesterday, having to do with Japan, they are really stepping up to the plate…unlike NATO." “In the case of NATO, they don’t want to help us defend the Strait, and they’re the ones that need it. But now they’re getting much nicer, because they’re seeing my attitude … but it’s, as far as I’m concerned, it’s too late.” Nik Popli TIME Thu. Mar. 19, 12:38 PM

Foreign Pool Report #5 Oval Office Pool was ushered into the Oval around 11:46am. Both delegations were flanking President Trump and PM Takaichi. On the table there was a mockup of the future AF1. Trump said he was honored and proud to endorse her on her successful election Takaichi began speaking at 11:49am in English thanking the welcome. Her interpreter took over, speaking on the severe security environment. She said that only you Donald can achieve peace throughout the world. She said she was ready to reach out to her intl community to achieve the objective together. She mentioned that FM Motegi had spoken with Iran’s Araghchi. She said nuclear weapons in Iran must never be allowed. She condemned Irans actions Of attacking neighboring Regions and the de facto closure of the Hormuz Sttait. She said she had specific proposals to calm the global energy market. She said Donald you have shown deep trust in Japan and unwavering commitment to the Japan US alliance. She said she looked forward to discussing how we can make our two economies stronger together. President Trump said Japan was stepping up to the plate. On China, Takaichi said that Japan has been consistently open to dialogue with China and that they have been speaking in a calm manner. Pool was out at 12:15pm Mineko Tokito Abe The Yomiuri Shimbun Thu. Mar. 19, 12:16 PM

In-town pool report #3: Trump says he's not sending troops to Iran / Oval spray concludes Pool was ushered out of the Oval Office at 12:14pm. Trump took a handful of questions. On sending troops to Iran: "No, I'm not putting troops anywhere. If I were, I certainly wouldn't tell you but I'm not putting troops" On if he’s satisfied with the level of support he’s getting from Japan on Iran: “They are really stepping up to plate… unlike NATO” On allies: “We don't need much. We don't need anything honestly from Japan or anyone else. But I think it's appropriate that people step up." On timing of Iran war: “It's going to be over with pretty soon. We've obliterated. We've obliterated their just about everything obliterated, including leadership.” On Kharg Island/oil assets: “We can take out the island anytime we want. I call it the little oil island that sits there, totally unprotected." On lifting sanctions on Iran’s oil: “We will do whatever is necessary to keep the price as low—I actually thought when I did this, look, the Dow just hit 50,000… I thought it would be worse.” On what he told Netanyahu after Israel’s attack on South Pars gas field: “I told him, don't do that and he won't do that. We didn't discuss, you know, we do independent, but get along great. It's coordinated. But on occasion he'll do something. And if I don't like it. And so we're not doing that anymore.” On the $200 billion Iran supplemental request: “We’re asking for a lot of reasons beyond even what we're talking about in Iran. This is a very volatile world." Nik Popli TIME Thu. Mar 19, 12:18 PM

Foreign Pool Report #4 Pool Waiting to be ushered in Japanese delegation said the bilateral began at 11:37am. Pool is still waiting to be ushered in. Earlier, she hugged President Trump upon arrival at the South entrance. (Apologies again for the error. Your pooler had no eyes on the arrival) Takaichi is wearing her signature blue suit Mineko Tokito Abe The Yomiuri Shimbun Thu. Mar. 19, 11:47 AM

In-town pool report #2: Bilat starts Pool entered the Oval Office slightly behind schedule at 11:46am. President Trump and Prime Minister Takaichi are seated in chairs in front of the fireplace. Vance, Rubio, and Hegseth are seated to Trump’s left. The two shook hands after Trump introduced her. More TK. Nik Popli TIME Thu. Mar. 19, 11:49 AM

Foreign Pool Report #3 Error Takaichi arrived through South Entrance Your pooler regrets the error. It appears that the Prime Minister arrived at the South entrance and was greeted by President Trump Mineko Tokito Abe The Yomiuri Shimbun Thu. Mar. 19, 11:340 AM