🔗 Share this article

During a latest visit to Japan's capital, former American leader Donald Trump together with Japan's new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi shared warm praise and pledged to enhance the already strong bilateral relations.

Key Points from the Encounter

Donald Trump commended Prime Minister Takaichi as a ‘exceptional’ figure and congratulated her on becoming the nation's first woman premier. In their discussions at Tokyo's Akasaka Palace, the former president expressed confidence that Takaichi would prove to be one of the ‘great prime ministers’ of the country.

The prime minister, who is a protégée of late Japanese leader Shinzo Abe, praised Trump's initiatives to address international conflicts and according to sources pledged to nominate Trump for the prestigious award.

Economic and Defense Deals

Both nations announced a list of collaborative projects in areas such as power, artificial intelligence, and critical minerals. Japanese companies are exploring funding of up to $400 billion in the United States.

Furthermore, Japan had earlier committed $550bn in strategic US investments, financing, and guarantees as part of an agreement to secure exemption from Trump's import duties.

These moves are viewed as potentially easing any upcoming requests from the US side for Japan to boost its defense spending. Takaichi responded to this by promising to fast-track proposals to increase military budget to two percent of gross domestic product.

Additional Political Updates

• Donald Trump did not rule out to a another term, though it is legally impossible. He remarked he ‘would love’ to serve again but would not use a VP workaround.
• A Michigan representative Rashida Tlaib responded to Trump's comments, declaring, “No way in hell we’re going to let that happen.”
• California Governor Newsom suggested he will determine on a 2028 presidential run after the 2026 midterm elections.
• The leader of America’s largest federal workers union called for an end to the federal closure, which is now the second longest in US history.
• Republican leader Mike Johnson criticized Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries for endorsing a candidate in the New York City mayor’s race.
• The governor of Indiana Mike Braun declared a legislative meeting to reconsider congressional districts.
• Opposition figures in several regions are planning redistricting in reaction to Republican efforts.

“Based on what I’ve heard from Shinzo and others, you are destined to be an outstanding prime minister,” Trump said to Takaichi. “I’d also like to congratulate you on being the first woman prime minister. It’s a big deal,” he added.

This meeting underscores the continuing significance of the American-Japanese partnership and sets the stage for further cooperation on economic, defense, and foreign policy fronts.