🔗 Share this article

In the course of a latest trip to Japan's capital, former US President Donald Trump and the Japanese new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi shared friendly praise and pledged to enhance the already strong two-way ties.

Highlights from the Meeting

Trump praised Prime Minister Takaichi as a ‘exceptional’ figure and congratulated her on becoming Japan's first female premier. During their discussions at the capital's Akasaka Palace, the former president voiced confidence that Takaichi would become one of the ‘great prime ministers’ of the country.

The prime minister, identified as a close associate of former Prime Minister Abe, praised his efforts to address global conflicts and according to sources pledged to put forward Trump for the prestigious award.

Trade and Security Deals

Both governments revealed a series of joint projects in areas such as power, artificial intelligence, and critical minerals. Japanese companies are considering investments of up to $400 billion in the US.

Additionally, Tokyo had previously pledged $550 billion in long-term US investments, financing, and assurances as part of an arrangement to obtain exemption from the former president's tariffs.

Such actions are seen as potentially reducing any upcoming requests from the US side for Japan to increase its defense expenditure. Takaichi addressed this by committing to accelerate plans to increase defense spending to 2% of GDP.

Additional Political Developments

• Donald Trump left the door open to a another term, although it is constitutionally impossible. He stated he ‘would like’ to serve again but won't exploit a vice presidential workaround.
• A Michigan representative Rashida Tlaib reacted to his comments, declaring, “Under no circumstances will we allow that.”
• California Governor Newsom suggested he will decide on a 2028 presidential run after the upcoming elections.
• The leader of America’s largest government employees union called for an end to the federal closure, which is currently the second-longest in American history.
• Republican leader Johnson criticized Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries for supporting a candidate in the New York City mayor’s race.
• Indiana governor Mike Braun declared a legislative meeting to reconsider electoral maps.
• Democratic figures in various regions are considering redistricting in reaction to Republican actions.

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

The encounter underscores the ongoing significance of the US-Japan alliance and paves the way for additional cooperation on trade, security, and foreign policy fronts.