Mar 20 • 14:40 UTC 🇬🇧 UK Guardian

Jimmy Kimmel on Trump Pearl Harbor joke: ‘Everything he knows about it begins and ends with the Ben Affleck movie’

Jimmy Kimmel humorously critiques Donald Trump's comments during a meeting with Japan's Prime Minister, specifically referencing the Pearl Harbor joke he made.

On Jimmy Kimmel Live!, host Jimmy Kimmel addressed the recent remarks made by Donald Trump during his meeting with Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. Kimmel highlighted Trump's perceived misunderstanding of historical events, particularly when Trump attempted to use humor about Pearl Harbor, asking why he hadn’t been informed of military actions in advance, drawing a parallel to Japan's World War II attack. Kimmel's commentary suggests that Trump's knowledge on such matters is superficial, comparing it to the plot of a movie rather than a grasp of real history.

During the segment, Kimmel also ridiculed Trump's logistical capabilities, joking about what the president might do with a gift of 250 cherry trees presented by Takaichi to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the US. The host insinuated that Trump's lack of consideration and care for such gifts may lead to poor decisions, such as using the trees for a commercial establishment rather than appreciating their cultural significance. Kimmel's comedic take underscores a broader critique of Trump's presidency, particularly regarding his approach to international relations and diplomacy.

Furthermore, Kimmel referred to the ongoing tensions related to Trump's military strategies, particularly in relation to Iran. He questioned Trump's assertion that he values surprise in military strategy, citing the Pearl Harbor joke as an example of his mixed signals and confounding remarks, which can alienate allies. The use of humor in Kimmel's critique serves to draw attention to serious concerns about Trump's understanding of international history and relationships, as well as the possible repercussions of his jokes on global diplomacy.

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