Fox News host laughs off Trump's Pearl Harbor remark, says critics missed the point

WASHINGTON,DC: A brief exchange inside the Oval Office has sparked a wave of reactions after President Donald Trump used a historical reference, dating back to World War 2, to defend a recent military not telling allies about US strikes on Iran.

The comment drew laughter from Fox News anchor John Roberts, who said many viewers are backing the president’s tone.

The moment came during Trump’s meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Thursday, March 19, when a question about informing allies about US strikes against Iran prompted a response that quickly got viral online.

John Roberts calls Trump's viral response 'cheeky'

Discussing the exchange with White House correspondent Jacqui Heinrich, Roberts framed the moment as one that stood out during the meeting.

“Jacqui, bring me back to the exchange that President Trump had in the Oval Office with Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi.”

He then described how the situation unfolded after a reporter questioned the administration’s approach saying “When a Japanese reporter asked, ‘Why didn’t you inform your allies, including Japan, that you were going to attack Iran?’”

In his reply, Trump emphasized the importance of unpredictability in military operations before turning to a pointed historical comparison.

“One thing, you don’t want to signal too much, we went in very hard and did not tell anybody about it because we wanted the surprise.”

He then referenced Pearl Harbor attack directly saying “Who knows better about surprise than Japan? Why did you not tell me about Pearl Harbor?”

Roberts said Trump’s answer caught attention for its tone. “The president had a rather cheeky response that I think a lot of people are applauding him for.”

The anchor appeared amused while recounting the exchange. 

Democrats criticize Trump's Pearl Harbour comment

Heinrich noted that reactions to Trump's remarks have largely followed predictable political lines. “You are getting reaction pretty much down partisan lines. Democrats are melting down and saying it wasn’t appropriate.”

On the other hand, she pointed out that Trump’s supporters saw the moment differently saying “A lot of Republicans think that this was classic Trump, a different way of diplomacy.”

She also suggested that his unconventional communication style is part of his appeal.

“He talks in a different and often more effective way than people who come the regular diplomatic route.”

Still, the immediate reaction in the room hinted at some discomfort.