'Awkward and clueless': Trump goes viral after he loses his way during ceremonial welcome in Japan | WATCH

Former US President Joe Biden was often the target of memes for his verbal slips during his final days in office. Now, President Donald Trump has become the latest subject of online jokes, this time for his awkward behaviour during an official visit to Japan.

A video that has gone viral shows Trump appearing confused during a ceremonial welcome in Tokyo, where he was received by Japan’s new Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi.

In the clip, Trump can be seen saluting the Guard of Honour before suddenly lowering his hand, seemingly realising that it might not be part of the protocol. Moments later, when Prime Minister Takaichi signalled for him to stop, Trump kept walking ahead, unaware that he was supposed to pause.

It looks like President Trump didn't realize he was supposed to stop in front of the US and Japanese flags. Prime Minister Takaichi seemed confused that Trump kept walking, and then followed proper protocol and bowed in front of the flags.pic.twitter.com/ZRNIgqDy2D

— Jeffrey J. Hall 🇯🇵🇺🇸 (@mrjeffu) October 28, 2025

The Japanese leader appeared surprised and briefly hurried to catch up with him. Soon after, a guard pointed to show Trump the correct direction to walk toward the dais, but he continued straight ahead instead of turning. It was only after Takaichi guided him again that Trump followed her to the dais, where both leaders stood for the national anthems.

Trump’s behaviour quickly drew attention online, with users calling the incident “awkward” and “clueless.”

The US President has previously been criticised for making a series of verbal gaffes. Recently, Trump mistakenly said that India gets a new prime minister every year. On another occasion, he confused India with Iran while claiming that his tariff policies had helped prevent a potential nuclear war between India and Pakistan.

For months, Trump, 79, has faced questions about his mental sharpness. Psychologist Dr John Gartner said in a recent podcast that he observed “a deterioration in Trump's motor skills,” suggesting possible early signs of dementia. The White House has dismissed these claims, saying the President shows “no signs of memory loss.”