TRANSCRIPT: President Trump Hosts a Dinner for Sanae Takaichi (?? ??) of Japan, 3.19.26
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President Trump: Thank you very much, everybody. Please, we have a very special person with us tonight, an amazing person. Tonight, uh, I'm delighted to welcome a great friend and partner for her very first visit to the White House. We become very close, so close that I endorsed her for her election. And she did well. She got the greatest, the highest number ever gotten by somebody running for the highest position in Japan, uh, beating out a lot of our friends and, uh, it's a tremendous tribute. And that's our really amazing friend, the Japanese Prime Minister who's gonna speak in just a few minutes, but we're very honored to have you with us tonight. Thank you.
Sanae Takaichi: Thank you.
Trump: And I wanna congratulate the Prime Minister on that unbelievable all over the world that we're talking about at that victory and last month's election winning by numbers that, as I said, nobody's ever seen in Japan before. And this was not only an amazing political achievement, it was a resounding declaration of strength and confidence, national spirit, and resolve straight from the Japanese people who love you.
And the Prime Minister's visit comes as we're just days away from the most beautiful season here in Washington, which by the way, is a crime-free city, just about. And, uh, we're doing, uh, we're very proud of that. We have done a great job, and it's a very safe place that people are coming to in record numbers.
And the blooming of the Japanese cherry blossom trees is, uh, something very special. For more than a century, this magnificent explosion of pink and white has graced America's capital. I mean, it's been something that really represents Washington so well as a living symbol of the cherished friendships between two of our world's most extraordinary nations.
And this year, we're honored to receive an additional 250 cherry trees, and they're very big, beautiful trees from the great people of Japan in recognition of America's 250th anniversary, and they will remind every future generation of our timeless bond. And they'll be planted near and around the Washington Monument, and it's gonna be, uh, something very special.
They've already started the planting, but it's 250 beautiful specimen, uh, trees, and we'll get you over here. We'll check them out after they're planted. We'll get you back. Americans and Japanese come from opposite sides of the globe, but since the earliest days of commerce between our two countries, we've always recognized that despite obvious differences, we share a great deal in common.
Both of our civilizations have been defined and propelled by proud cultures, deeply committed to excellence, hard work, and pushing the frontiers of what is possible. That's why in every field, human ... I mean, human endeavors from so many different sides of the planet, from medicine to music, from art to engineering, you find that Americans and Japanese are leading the way, always leading the way.
These shared traits and values have transcended every trial, history, and you look no matter where you go, you see this, and ultimately made our nations into strong allies and very close friends. Our partnership has made both the United States and Japan stronger, freer, and more successful than virtually any other nation on the planet.
And under the leadership of the Prime Minister and myself, I know we will soon make that partnership even stronger and better than ever before we have that relationship. And actually it started quite a while ago.
On my visit to Tokyo last year, we reached a historic trade deal that 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. The United States is also encouraged to see the steps the Prime Minister's taking to expand our country's commitment to its own security and defense and buying a lot of our defense equipment, I'm happy to tell you.
So just to close up, with the commitment of the leaders and the biggest leaders in the country, some of the most successful people in the country, politically and business-wise, and all of the partners in the room, the United States and Japan can be an unstoppable force for freedom, security, and progress for our countries and for the entire world to look up to. So let us stand together with the strength and dignity, purpose.
Let us keep our people safe, our nations prospering, and our alliance flourishing for many, many generations to come. And with that, I'd just like to thank the Prime Minister. This is a spectacular woman, and it's an honor to have you with us at the White House. Thank you.
Takaichi: [Via Interpreter] The Honorable President Donald J. Trump, distinguished guest, 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. So tonight, I would like to start off by extending my sincere congratulations on two important anniversaries.
[Via Interpreter] 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 gentleman. [Laughter] Donald, it is very clear where he got it. [Laughter] Of course, from his parents. Uh, there's no doubt about it. So Donald, if I may ask you, please convey my sincere happy birthday wishes to him.
Trump: Thank you.
Takaichi: [Via Interpreter] The second one is the 250th anniversary of the United States, as you already 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. A 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.
[Via Interpreter] And I understand that in August this year, at Donald's suggestion, IndyCar Race Freedom 250 Grand Prix will be held here in Washington, D.C. This race will bring roaring Chevrolet and Honda engines to the National Mall. [Laughter] In addition, Japan's NTT Group has been a title sponsor of the IndyCar Series.
[Via Interpreter] As you see, IndyCar 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. 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.
[Via Interpreter] 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.
[Via Interpreter] Actually, my original plan, uh, was to bring so many cherry, uh, flowers and directly hand it to you, Donald. But unfortunately, because of the very strict quarantine measures that I couldn't, uh, make this happen.
[Via Interpreter] 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. [Laughter] Late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who was Donald's dear friend, and also my dear friend too, eloquently said one phrase here in Washington, D.C. upon his visit.
[Via Interpreter] And as I stand here today, I would like to repeat what he said with greater pride and confidence. Japan is back. [Laughter, Applause] [Via Interpreter] Japan, once again, will lead the innovation in the world, and the new Japan stands ready to play an even greater role for war's peace. Japan will continue to walk on such path together with Donald and together with the American people. Thank you.
[Via Interpreter] 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. [Applause]