Fact Check: Trump Calls Japan's Leader 'Mr. Japan' During Fox News Interview
What We Know
During a recent interview on Fox News' "Sunday Morning Futures," President Donald Trump referred to the Japanese Prime Minister as "Mr. Japan." This incident occurred while discussing trade negotiations and tariffs. Trump stated, “I could send one to Japan: 'Dear Mr. Japan, here's the story: you're going to pay a 25% tariff on your cars'" (Koplowitz, 2025). The remark was widely criticized on social media, with many users mocking Trump for not knowing the name of Japan's leader, Shigeru Ishiba (Koplowitz, 2025; Yahoo, 2025).
Analysis
The claim that Trump called Japan's leader "Mr. Japan" is substantiated by multiple sources. The Associated Press reported on the incident, detailing Trump's comments and the subsequent ridicule he faced online (Koplowitz, 2025). Yahoo News also highlighted the absurdity of the remark, questioning Trump's awareness of international leaders (Yahoo, 2025).
Critically assessing the sources, the Associated Press is a reputable news organization known for its journalistic integrity, while Yahoo News, although credible, may sometimes present news with a more sensational angle. Both sources corroborate the event, providing a consistent narrative about Trump's gaffe.
Moreover, the social media reactions included comments from notable figures, such as former Congresswoman Barbara Comstock, who expressed disbelief at Trump's lack of knowledge regarding foreign leaders (Koplowitz, 2025). This adds a layer of credibility to the claim, as it reflects a broader public reaction to the incident.
Conclusion
The claim that Trump referred to Japan's Prime Minister as "Mr. Japan" during a Fox News interview is True. The evidence from multiple credible sources confirms that Trump made this remark, which led to significant public mockery and criticism. The context of the statement, combined with the reactions it elicited, further supports the veracity of the claim.
