🔗 Share this article

During a latest visit to Tokyo, ex- American leader Trump together with the Japanese recently elected Premier Sanae Takaichi shared friendly compliments and vowed to enhance the currently robust two-way relations.

Highlights from the Encounter

Trump praised Takaichi as a ‘great’ leader and applauded her on becoming the nation's inaugural female premier. During their discussions at Tokyo's official venue, the former president expressed optimism that Takaichi would become one of the ‘great prime ministers’ of Japan.

The prime minister, identified as a close associate of former Japanese leader Abe, praised his efforts to address international disputes and according to sources pledged to nominate him for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Economic and Defense Agreements

Both governments announced a series of joint projects in sectors such as power, AI, and critical minerals. Japanese companies are exploring funding of up to $400 billion in the United States.

Furthermore, Tokyo had previously pledged $550bn in strategic American projects, financing, and guarantees as part of an agreement to obtain exemption from the former president's tariffs.

These moves are seen as potentially reducing any future requests from Trump for Japan to boost its military expenditure. Takaichi responded to this by committing to accelerate proposals to increase defense spending to 2% of GDP.

Additional Political Updates

• Donald Trump left the door open to a third term, although it is constitutionally not permitted. Trump remarked he ‘would love’ to serve again but won't use a VP loophole.
• A Michigan representative Tlaib responded to Trump's statements, declaring, “Under no circumstances will we allow that.”
• Gavin Newsom suggested he will decide on a White House bid after the 2026 midterm elections.
• The leader of the US biggest government employees union demanded an end to the federal closure, which is now the second longest in US history.
• Republican leader Johnson criticized opposition figure Hakeem Jeffries for supporting a contender in the New York City mayor’s race.
• The governor of Indiana Mike Braun declared a special session to reconsider congressional districts.
• Opposition figures in various regions are planning map changes in response to Republican actions.

“Everything I know from Shinzo and others, you will be one of the great prime ministers,” Donald Trump said to the prime minister. “I’d also like to congratulate you on being the first woman prime minister. It’s a big deal,” he added.

This meeting highlights the continuing significance of the US-Japan partnership and sets the stage for additional collaboration on economic, defense, and diplomatic areas.