Forget Biden, watch Donald Trump who literally lost his way in Tokyo
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Take your experience further with Premium access. Thought-provoking Opinions, Expert Analysis, In-depth Insights and other Member Only BenefitsTokyo witnessed an unforgettable diplomatic performance recently when US President Donald Trump took the term “state visit” quite literally — by wandering off during a ceremonial review of Japan’s Guard of Honour.
The 79-year-old leader arrived in Tokyo for a three-day visit meant to strengthen defence and economic ties.
As the band played and soldiers stood at attention, Trump proudly raised his hand in salute, only to instantly lower it again, perhaps realising halfway that the move wasn’t part of the choreography.
Moments later, when Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi subtly signaled for him to stop, Trump boldly marched forward alone.
Takaichi was caught on camera freezing in mid-stride, her face a masterclass in polite panic.
Undeterred, Trump continued his stroll unaware that the dais was now behind him.
When a guard finally tried to redirect him, Trump maintained his course with the confidence of a man who definitely knows where he was going.
It was only after Takaichi gently pointed him in the right direction did Trump execute a sharp 90-degree turn — a move commentators are calling “the most dramatic plot twist since Mission: Impossible – Tokyo Protocol.”
Online, the moment has flooded into memes.
One video captioned “When your GPS loses signal in a foreign country” has already racked up millions of views. Another user joked, “Trump’s body went to Tokyo, but his mind was still at Mar-a-Lago.”
Critics have compared the moment to Biden’s famous “verbal detours,” suggesting that presidential protocol confusion is now a bipartisan sport. Psychologists, meanwhile, have advised everyone to calm down — saying sometimes a man just misses a turn.
The White House insists the President is “sharp as ever,” noting that Trump “successfully located the dais on the second try,” which, in diplomatic terms, counts as a comeback.