Takaichi faces backlash after laughing at Biden mock image
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is facing criticism after footage showed her laughing at a mock image of former U.S. president Joe Biden during an official visit to the White House.
The video, recorded during her meeting with Donald Trump, quickly circulated online and triggered debate over whether the gesture was appropriate for a visiting head of government, particularly in a setting meant to underscore alliance ties.
What happened
- During a guided tour of the White House, Takaichi viewed a display of portraits of past U.S. presidents alongside Trump
- Biden’s portrait had been replaced with an image of an “autopen,” a device used for automatic signatures
- Takaichi was seen pointing at the image, laughing, and covering her mouth; a Japanese foreign ministry official accompanying her also appeared amused
Why it matters
- The autopen image has been interpreted as referencing Trump’s longstanding criticisms of Biden
- Critics said the gesture was inappropriate and risked undermining diplomatic norms and respect for a former U.S. leader
- Some observers described it as an attempt to curry favour with Trump
Context
- The incident took place during Takaichi’s first official visit to the United States as prime minister
- The visit included a Japan–U.S. summit aimed at reaffirming alliance ties
Aftermath
- In a post on X, Takaichi said talks with Trump were “substantive and future-oriented.”
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
