Japan PM Sanae Takaichi says there's no doubt Barron Trump got his 'good looks' from his dad

Sanae Takaichi made the remarks while wishing Barron Trump ahead of his 20th birthday
UPDATED MAR 20, 2026
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks alongside US President Donald Trump before a state dinner in the State Dining Room of the White House on March 19, 2026, in Washington, DC (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks alongside US President Donald Trump before a state dinner in the State Dining Room of the White House on March 19, 2026, in Washington, DC (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC: Japan Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi shared a light-hearted moment at the White House on Thursday, March 19, by offering a warm pre-birthday tribute to President Donald Trump's youngest son.

During her tribute, she described Barron Trump as a "tall, good-looking gentleman" and noted that it is "very clear where he got it," making the room break into cheers and laughter.



Sanae Takaichi delivers warm birthday wish to Barron Trump

After the bilateral meeting, Takaichi took a break from serious topics to praise the president’s son ahead of his 20th birthday on March 20.

She told the crowd, "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."

WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 20: Barron Trump attends the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2025 in Washington, DC. Donald Trump takes office for his second term as the 47th president of the United States. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
Barron Trump attends the inauguration of President Donald Trump in the Rotunda of the US Capitol on January 20, 2025, in Washington, DC (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Her comments drew immediate laughs and applause from the delegates.

She kept the humor going by looking at the president and adding, "And when I see you, Donald, it is very clear where he got it — Of course, from his parents. There's no doubt about it." 

President Donald Trump speaks with Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in the Oval Office of the White House, Thursday, March 19, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
President Donald Trump speaks with Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in the Oval Office of the White House on Thursday, March 19, 2026, in Washington (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Sanae Takaichi says only Trump 'can achieve peace across the world'

During the meeting, the two leaders focused on making their alliance stronger.

Takaichi spoke about the difficult security situation in West Asia and around the world, calling it “a very severe security environment.” 

Even with these challenges, she shared her belief in Trump’s leadership.



She told him through an interpreter, “Even against that backdrop, I firmly believe that it is only you, Donald, who can achieve peace across the world.”

Takaichi also talked about how Japan and the US can grow and become "stronger and more prosperous together."

They discussed ways to protect the economy and work together on important minerals and energy. 

Takaichi said she was happy that Trump trusts Japan and that he “remains committed to an unshakable alliance.”

Bilateral meeting with Japan's PM Sanae Takaichi followed by dinner 

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 19: Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and U.S. President Donald Trump talk with guests during a state dinner in the State Dining Room at the White House on March 19, 2026 in Washington, DC. This is Takaichi's first official visit to Washington as Prime Minister. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and US President Donald Trump talk with guests during a state dinner in the State Dining Room at the White House on March 19, 2026, in Washington, DC (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

Notably, the meeting was followed by a dinner in the state dining room at the White House. 

This visit comes after the president supported Takaichi before she won her election last month.

During their talk, Trump also had kind words for the prime minister, calling her a “popular, powerful woman.”

The two leaders have met several times before, including a trip to Japan in October.

Their latest talk comes at a time when the US is asking its allies to help keep oil moving safely through the Strait of Hormuz amid the ongoing conflict in Iran.

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