President Trump raised a very interesting question.
During a recent Oval Office conversation, President Donald Trump raised an important point about the U.S.-Japan relationship. He questioned why the U.S. is responsible for protecting Japan, while Japan doesn’t have to offer the same protection in return. Trump’s question about “who makes these deals?” touches on the core of the security agreement between the U.S. and Japan, and highlights a growing concern about global defense dynamics.
The answer is straightforward: the United States. Following World War II, the U.S. led efforts to disarm Japan and reshape its military structure. As a result, Japan’s military was dismantled, and today, it operates with a self-defense force that is legally restricted to protecting Japan alone. This agreement is grounded in the U.S.-Japan Security Treaty, which was negotiated between 1951 and 1960. Under this treaty, the U.S. is granted the right to maintain military bases on Japanese soil in exchange for a commitment to defend Japan if it faces an attack.
Trump has been vocal in his criticism of how American military resources are distributed globally. His concerns about U.S. defense obligations aren’t limited to Japan but extend to other nations, like Ukraine, and now Taiwan. The U.S. presence in Japan, especially on Okinawa, also supports the defense of Taiwan in the face of growing Chinese aggression. Yet, recent remarks from Trump and others suggest a shift in America’s role in global defense, with calls for other nations, including Japan and Taiwan, to take on more responsibility for their own security.
A consistent theme in Trump’s rhetoric has been the trade imbalance between the U.S. and Japan. Trump has long expressed concerns that Japan profits immensely from trade with the U.S. without adequately contributing to American interests. This issue dates back decades, including a famous 1987 ad he placed in The New York Times accusing Japan of “taking advantage” of America. Today, Trump continues to push for Japan to address this imbalance, especially with regard to defense spending.
As Trump and other officials push for allies to shoulder more of the financial burden of defense, the U.S. faces a critical question about its global role. If nations like Japan and Taiwan are expected to do more for their own defense, will they be willing to do so? And how will the U.S. balance its economic interests with its defense obligations? These are questions that will shape future American foreign policy, especially as the world grows increasingly uncertain.