Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba gifted President Trump a golden samurai helmet throughout their first face-to-face assembly on the White Home on Friday.
The lavish current — often called the “Eternal Helmet” — got here as the 2 world leaders mentioned slashing the US commerce deficit with Japan as Trump, 78, seeks to impose tariffs on neighboring nations and China to bolster American manufacturing.
Ishiba, 68, requested an organization in his hometown of Tottori create the providing, particularly in gold, because of the reputation and mass acclaim of the epic FX/Hulu historic Japan-based drama “Shogun,” Japanese outlet Kyodo Information reported, citing a authorities supply.
Tomoya Hanafusa, president of Ningyouno Hanafusa Co., stated the Japanese Overseas Ministry positioned the order along with his agency in November — one month after Ishiba stepped into energy, the outlet reported.
Hanafusa was instructed on the time the helmet can be given to a international VIP — and is now “extremely grateful and happy” the present, price greater than $1,000, or 168,000 yen, was created by his firm, in accordance with Kyodo Information.
In return, Trump gave Ishiba a replica of his “Save America” image guide that includes a canopy picture from his first assassination try in Butler, Pa., final summer season.
Trump was beforehand gifted a golden-painted golf membership in November 2016 from late Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe price a hefty $3,755. Shinzo, who was assassinated in 2022, additionally gave the commander in chief a $3,040 driver and a $460 putter throughout his first stint within the Oval Workplace.
Federal officers by regulation can not maintain private items which can be price greater than $415 and are given by international governments.
Ishiba’s present comes simply days after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu offered Trump with a “golden pager” — in a nod to these utilized in lethal assaults to remove Israel’s terrorist enemies in September.
Trump gave Netanyahu a photograph of the 2 of them from their historic assembly on Tuesday with the dedication: “To Bibi, a great leader.”
The White Home didn’t instantly reply to The Publish’s request for remark in regards to the samurai helmet.
