HIGHDIPLOMATICVERIFIED

Trump-Takaichi Oval Office meeting — 'not putting troops' in Iran; $200B budget 'beyond Iran'

2026-03-19 · 15:30 UTC·The White House, Washington D.C., USA

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi met with President Trump in the Oval Office Thursday. Trump told reporters he would do 'whatever was necessary' to ease the oil crisis, calling it 'temporary' and saying 'it will be over soon.' On troops: 'I'm not putting troops anywhere' — adding 'if I were, I certainly wouldn't tell you.' On Pentagon $200B: reasons are 'beyond Iran — very volatile world' and \$200B is 'a small price to pay to stay tippy top.' The meeting produced Japan's alignment with the six-nation G6 Hormuz safe passage statement.

Japan PM Sanae Takaichi held an Oval Office meeting with President Trump on Thursday March 19 — the first visit by a major US ally since Trump demanded countries send warships to Hormuz. KEY TRUMP STATEMENTS (CBS pool): NO GROUND TROOPS: Asked if he intends to put more US troops in the region, Trump said: 'No, I'm not putting troops anywhere. If I were, I certainly wouldn't tell you. But I'm not.' $200B BUDGET: Asked why the Pentagon is requesting $200B if the war is 'almost over,' Trump said: 'We're asking for a lot. Our reasons beyond even what we're talking about in Iran. This is a very volatile world.' OUTCOMES: Japan joined UK, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands in the G6 joint statement expressing readiness to contribute to Hormuz safe passage. Takaichi also offered Japan's participation in Trump's Golden Dome missile defense initiative. Japan's inclusion provides political cover for a constitutional-compliant Japanese naval contribution.

TrumpTakaichiJapanWhite HouseOval OfficeHormuztroopsGolden Dome$200B

Actor responses

United StatesNEUTRALDIPLOMATIC

Trump: 'Not putting troops anywhere in Iran.' $200B supplemental reasons 'beyond Iran — very volatile world.' Meeting outcome: Japan joins G6 Hormuz statement.

NATOSUPPORTINGDIPLOMATIC

Japan PM Takaichi aligned with G6 Hormuz safe passage statement and offered Japanese participation in Trump's Golden Dome missile defense initiative.

Sources

T1CBS News pool — Trump Oval Office quotes to reporters on troops and $200B, Takaichi meeting97% reliability