Trump arrived in Tokyo on a three-day visit to Japan on Tuesday and held bilateral talks with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to boost defence and economic ties.

US President Donald Trump reviews guard of honour during ceremonial welcome in Tokyo on Tuesday. (Photo: Reuters)
If former US President Joe Biden became a subject of funny memes online for his verbal gaffes during his final days in office, incumbent Donald Trump has gone viral on social media for his out of place and clueless conduct during his official visit to Japan, where he seemingly did not have the slightest of ideas as to what he was supposed to do being a head of state during the ceremonial welcome.
In a video that is going viral online, Trump could be seen accompanying Japan’s new Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, as he was accorded a ceremonial welcome with a Guard of Honour in Tokyo on Tuesday.
The video first shows Trump, who is on a three-day visit to Japan, raising his hand in a salute to the personnel while inspecting the Guard of Honour, before suddenly putting it back down, realising that perhaps that is not the protocol.
The very next moment, as the Japanese PM signalled to him to stop at the next step, Trump did not notice it and walked on, giving an impression that he was apparently lost in some thoughts of his own.
While Trump kept on walking, PM Takaichi stopped as per the protocol and gave a look in utter surprise, wondering what just happened.
The trailing Japanese PM then walked a little swiftly to match Trump’s steps. However, there was more to come.
Moments later, when one of the guards signalled to Trump, showing him the direction he was supposed to take to reach the dais, the US President again failed to notice it.
The Republican leader continued a stroll in the park, cluelessly, walking in a straight direction, while he was supposed to take a 90-degree turn towards the dais.
It was only after the Japanese PM showed him the way again that Trump got it right, and followed her to the dais where the two leaders had to stand before their respective national anthems played.
Trump has, before this, provided fodder for social media memes with his unchecked claims and verbal gaffes.
Just days ago, Trump referred to India as a country which gets a new prime minister every year.
For several months now, Trump, 79, has faced questions about his mental acuity, with the mercurial president previously confusing global leaders and countries.
Trump also mixed up India with Iran while repeating his claim that tariffs had prevented a potential nuclear war between India and Pakistan.
These were only a few examples of the increasingly odd behaviour and gaffes by Trump, who has – like his predecessor Joe Biden – been subject to questions over his mental health.
In a recent podcast, psychologist Dr John Gartner claimed he observed a deterioration in Trump's motor skills, suggesting possible early signs of dementia. The White House has, however, rejected such claims, claiming the President exhibits no signs of memory loss.
- Ends
Published On:
Oct 28, 2025
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