Donald Trump has been accused of disregarding protocol during his meeting with Japan’s new leader, Sanae Takaichi, during his visit to the country.
According to his critics, Trump’s conduct at a meeting with Japan’s newly elected prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, may have led to some embarrassment for the United States.
This week, Trump traveled to Japan as part of his diplomatic tour of Asia.
During his stay, he met with Japan’s first female-elected prime minister and addressed U.S. troops on an aircraft carrier near Tokyo.
He also signed a trade and rare earth agreement with Japan, which is likely to be a highlight in his subsequent discussions.
Nevertheless, it was a video from a ceremony Trump attended that has drawn attention for possibly breaking protocol.
The footage shows Trump receiving a ceremonial welcome from Takaichi at the Akasaka State Guesthouse.
During this event, musicians played while soldiers stood at attention. Trump and Takaichi were seen walking around, seemingly to admire the display.
At one point, Trump walked past both the U.S. and Japanese flags, merely saluting the soldiers.
Observers have noted that it is customary for foreign dignitaries to bow to each other’s flags as a gesture of respect.
Jeffrey J. Hall, an assistant professor with a PhD at Waseda University’s Organization for Regional and Inter-Regional Studies in Tokyo, highlighted this on X, formerly known as Twitter, as he shared the video.
He commented: “It looks like President Trump didn’t realize he was supposed to stop in front of the US and Japanese flags. Prime Minister Takaichi seemed confused that Trump kept walking, and then followed proper protocol and bowed in front of the flags.”
He also shared an example of what the protocol should look like, featuring a video of Sri Lanka’s president Anura Kumara Dissanayake bowing to the Japanese flag alongside Japan’s former prime minister Shigeru Ishiba, who reciprocated by bowing to Sri Lanka’s flag.
Social media users mocked Trump for the apparent mistake, suggesting that the U.S. president appeared disoriented while moving around the room.
One person commented: “Trump violated protocol during his meeting with Japan’s Prime Minister Takaiichi. He didn’t stop by the flags, saluted the Japanese soldiers, and walked ahead without waiting for her.”
Another added: “He’s walking and breathing at the same time – I wouldn’t expect a whole lot more out of him.”
A third user wrote: “They should have put a leash on him like a puppy dog. He is incapable of understanding any protocol. Such an embarrassment for our country.”
Another remarked: “Trump knows nothing about Protocols, Traditions, or Standards. And he doesn’t care. Trump does what Trump wants and doesn’t care if it’s disrespectful or not. This is Trump.”
The White House has been contacted for comment on the incident.