Trump Shares Private Letter to Japan — Critics Spot ‘Appalling’ Errors
It’s no secret that former President Donald Trump frequently posts private messages and official documents on social media. From leaked texts with world leaders to confidential notes, he continues to blur the line between diplomacy and digital drama.
Another Leak, Another Controversy
On Monday, July 7, Trump posted the full text of a letter he sent to Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Truth Social. The letter outlined upcoming tariffs Japan could face and warned of a 25% duty on imports, set to begin August 1.
Trump also admitted to sending similar letters to leaders in 13 other countries, including South Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, Serbia, and Cambodia.
Critics Blast Grammar and Tone
While the letter addressed trade tensions, it drew more attention for its language flaws than its policy content. Readers quickly noted a series of grammatical mistakes, including random capitalization and disjointed phrasing.
Many critics compared the letter’s tone to Trump’s usual social media rants. One user on X (formerly Twitter) wrote:
“Trump’s letter to Japan is a clown show. Threats, bad grammar, zero diplomacy. He’s destroying decades of trust over a trade deficit he doesn’t even understand.”
Another user added:
“Any 8th grade English teacher would give this an F. The grammar is awful.”
Social Media Reactions Pour In
Reaction was swift and scathing. Several users mocked the letter’s tone and structure:
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“We’re literally being led by someone with a worse grasp of English than a grade-schooler.”
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“Imagine building a stable alliance for decades, only to get a letter that sounds like it was written by a kid who just learned what ‘tariff’ means.”
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“Appalling. Just appalling.”
One person even compared the letter’s formatting to a “ransom note from a semi-literate kidnapper.”
Another commented:
“This official letter reads like one of Trump’s tweets. No wonder the world thinks he’s a joke.”
A Pattern of Oversharing
This isn’t Trump’s first time releasing sensitive communications. He previously posted private text messages with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte and U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee. Each time, critics pointed out a similar lack of professionalism.
The White House had recently delayed the tariffs scheduled for July 9, hoping to negotiate trade deals. But Trump’s latest move may complicate that effort, especially as global leaders now question not just his policies—but his diplomatic judgment.