Key Points:
- President Trump appeared confused during ceremonial welcome at Tokyo’s Akasaka Palace on October 27, 2025
- Video shows Trump walking ahead of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and missing protocol cues during guard inspection
- Social media users compared the incident to similar moments from Biden’s presidency
- Psychologists including Dr. John Gartner have raised concerns about cognitive decline and dementia symptoms
- White House dismissed health concerns as “baseless” claims
- Trump successfully completed trade and rare earth agreements worth $550 billion during the Japan visit
New Delhi: US President Donald Trump’s October 27 visit to Japan has triggered widespread social media discussion after a ceremonial welcome video went viral, showing the 79-year-old president appearing disoriented during an official protocol event. The incident occurred at the Akasaka State Guesthouse in Tokyo, where Trump met Japan’s newly elected Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, the country’s first female leader.
The viral footage captures Trump inspecting the Guard of Honour alongside Prime Minister Takaichi, but the ceremony quickly became awkward. Trump initially raised his hand to salute the guards, then abruptly lowered it, apparently realizing it wasn’t part of the protocol. Moments later, as Takaichi paused for the next ceremonial step, Trump continued walking ahead, leaving the Prime Minister trailing behind.
Prime Minister’s Quick Response
Prime Minister Takaichi, who was positioned behind Trump, appeared surprised by his unexpected movement and had to accelerate her pace to catch up with him. When a guard attempted to signal the correct direction toward the ceremonial stage, Trump missed the cue entirely and continued walking straight ahead, despite needing to make a 90-degree turn. Only after Takaichi personally pointed him in the right direction did Trump turn and join her on the dais, where both national anthems were played.
Pattern of Controversial Statements
This ceremonial confusion adds to a growing list of Trump’s controversial public moments during recent months. Trump recently made false claims about India having a new prime minister every year, and confused India with Iran while discussing trade tariffs and potential nuclear tensions between India and Pakistan. He has also repeatedly expressed unusual ambitions, including making Canada the 51st US state and taking control of Greenland.
Medical Experts Raise Alarms
The viral video has intensified scrutiny of Trump’s mental and physical health. Dr. John Gartner, a clinical psychologist who co-hosts the “Shrinking Trump” podcast, has documented what he describes as a “massive increase” in clinical signs of dementia, including deterioration in motor skills, language abilities, and impulse control. Dr. Gartner warned that Trump’s cognitive decline has created “immense” risk, stating, “it really would be impossible to overstate the grave risk that all of us are at right now”.
I have seen people blindly in love with themselves, but this man has crossed all limits.😂😂
— BhikuMhatre (@MumbaichaDon) October 28, 2025
Japanese PM Takaichi doesn't know what to do…..just like other World Leaders. pic.twitter.com/67ngpVdK5s
Neuropsychologist Calls for Screening
Dr. Narinder Kapur, a senior neuropsychologist and visiting professor at University College London, publicly recommended that Trump undergo formal cognitive testing, including Alzheimer’s screening. Dr. Kapur described Trump’s public statements and behaviors over the past six months as “odd and strange,” specifically citing his repeated claims about Canada and Greenland as examples of bizarre conduct. He also referenced observations of deterioration in Trump’s psychomotor functioning, language skills, and impulse control as potential early warning signs.
White House Dismisses Concerns
Despite mounting concerns from mental health professionals, the White House has firmly dismissed all health-related claims as baseless. Administration officials stated that President Trump shows no signs of memory impairment or cognitive issues. Just days before the Japan incident, Trump himself claimed to have achieved a perfect score on what he called an “IQ test” at Walter Reed Medical Center, though he appeared to be referencing the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, which is actually a dementia screening tool rather than an intelligence test.
Successful Diplomatic Outcomes
Despite the ceremonial awkwardness, Trump’s visit achieved significant diplomatic goals. He successfully signed trade and rare earth supply agreements worth $550 billion with Japan, aimed at reducing US tariffs to 15% in exchange for substantial Japanese investment. Trump also addressed US troops aboard the USS George Washington aircraft carrier stationed near Tokyo and met with Emperor Naruhito. Prime Minister Takaichi announced plans to gift Washington with 250 cherry trees for America’s 250th anniversary celebration and fireworks from Akita Prefecture for Fourth of July festivities.
Social Media Comparisons
The viral video has drawn widespread comparisons on social media to similar moments involving former President Joe Biden during his term. Users created memes and commentary about the incident, with many describing Trump as appearing “awkward and clueless” during the ceremonial protocol. Some observers attributed the confusion to fatigue, given the 79-year-old president’s demanding Asia tour schedule, which includes subsequent meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea.
