On the 8th, U.S. President Donald Trump made two obvious slip-ups during the NATO summit held in Ankara, Turkey. First, he confused Japan with Iran, saying that the "Islamic Republic of Japan" had fired missiles at American aircraft carriers. Then, he referred to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as "Putin".
According to Kyodo News, Trump made a slip of the tongue during his meeting with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, confusing Japan with Iran. He said, "The Islamic Republic of Japan launched 111 missiles at us."
According to the video from the scene, a journalist asked Trump whether he would authorize the production of 'Patriot' interceptor missiles in Europe. Trump said that discussions would be held and mentioned that he preferred defensive weapons like the 'Patriot'. Then, he changed subject, mentioning that 'the Japanese Islamic Republic launched 111 missiles at us', and said that these missiles were fired at the 'Lincoln' aircraft carrier within about an hour, but all were intercepted.
Trump said that this was almost the result of interception by "Patriot" missiles, but other methods were also used for interception. He also mentioned that it would be better if interception could be achieved at a lower cost.
A few minutes later, Trump pointed at Zelenskyy beside him and asked the reporter, “Is there anyone who wants to ask President Putin?”
The media on the scene laughed, and some tried to correct Trump. But Trump then tried to cover up his mistake by saying, "Is there anyone who wants to ask President Putin? It's not Zelenykh, it's Putin." He pointed again at Zelenykh, who was sitting to his right, and said, "What do you want to ask him? Because I will ask that question on your behalf."
