Trump Calls U.S.-Japan Security Pact ‘Too One-Sided’

Former President Donald Trump criticized the decades-old U.S.-Japan security alliance, calling it a “one-sided” deal that unfairly benefits Tokyo while placing the burden of defense on Washington.

“We spend hundreds of billions of dollars defending Japan, and they don’t pay us anything. If the U.S. is attacked, Japan doesn’t have to do a thing to help us,” Trump said during a Cabinet meeting on April 10.

The U.S.-Japan Security Treaty, revised in 1960, allows the U.S. to station troops and operate military bases on Japanese soil in exchange for defending Japan in the event of an attack. The agreement was signed after Japan renounced its right to wage war. Today, over 50,000 U.S. troops are deployed in Japan—the largest American military presence in any country.

“I wonder who came up with this treaty—it must have been people who didn’t care about our country,” Trump added. “It’s hard to believe how bad this deal is. And it’s not just about defense—look at the trade deal too.”

Tokyo has not yet responded to Trump’s remarks, which come as the U.S. and Japan prepare for a new round of trade talks. Among America’s major trading partners, Japan is the first to enter negotiations under Trump’s revised trade strategy. A Japanese delegation is expected to arrive in Washington early next week.

Beyond trade, the Trump administration has also pushed to renegotiate defense cost-sharing with allies like Japan and South Korea—both of which host significant numbers of U.S. troops. According to Kyodo News, Japan currently contributes around $2 billion annually toward the cost of U.S. forces stationed in the country, covering expenses like utilities, local labor, and training equipment.

During his first term, Trump repeatedly urged Japan and South Korea to increase their defense spending and financial contributions to U.S. forces. In 2019, he remarked that “Japan could just sit back and watch TV while America gets attacked.”

Japan is now in the third year of a five-year military modernization plan. Last year, the Japanese government approved a record-high defense budget of $55 billion for fiscal year 2025—its largest ever in yen terms.

Officials in Tokyo argue the boost in military spending is necessary as Japan faces “the most severe and complex security environment” since the end of World War II.

(Sources: Kyodo News, Mainichi)

Hello Shuttle will strive to bring the latest updates. At the end of the day.

Are you looking for reliable airport and cruise port transfer services in Los Angeles?

We offer professional, safe, and punctual transportation from

Los Angeles Airport - LAX

Long Beach Airport - LGB

John Wayne Airport - SNA

San Pedro cruise port

Long Beach cruise port

Disneyland

and other destinations.

Let us make your journey stress-free and comfortable with our dedicated drivers and high-quality vehicles. Book now for the perfect travel experience at www.helloshuttle.com or call 944-800-5678!