🔗 Share this article

During a latest trip to Japan's capital, former US President Trump together with Japan's recently elected Prime Minister Takaichi shared friendly praise and pledged to enhance the currently strong two-way relations.

Highlights from the Encounter

Trump commended Prime Minister Takaichi as a ‘great’ figure and applauded her on becoming Japan's inaugural female prime minister. During their talks at the capital's official venue, Trump voiced optimism that she would prove to be one of the ‘outstanding leaders’ of the country.

Takaichi, who is a close associate of late Prime Minister Abe, applauded his efforts to resolve international disputes and reportedly pledged to put forward Trump for the prestigious award.

Trade and Security Deals

Both nations revealed a series of joint initiatives in areas such as power, artificial intelligence, and rare earths. Japanese firms are exploring investments of up to $400bn in the US.

Additionally, Japan had previously pledged $550 billion in strategic US investments, financing, and assurances as part of an arrangement to secure relief from Trump's import duties.

These moves are seen as potentially easing any future requests from Trump for Tokyo to increase its defense spending. The prime minister responded to this by promising to accelerate plans to raise defense spending to 2% of gross domestic product.

Other US Politics Developments

• Donald Trump did not rule out to a third term, though it is constitutionally impossible. He stated he ‘would like’ to run again but won't use a VP workaround.
• Michigan representative Rashida Tlaib responded to his statements, saying, “Under no circumstances will we allow that.”
• California Governor Newsom indicated he will decide on a 2028 presidential run after the upcoming elections.
• The leader of America’s biggest government employees union called for an end to the federal closure, which is now the second-longest in American history.
• Republican leader Mike Johnson criticized opposition figure 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 redraw electoral maps.
• Democratic figures in various states are planning redistricting in reaction to GOP efforts.

“Everything I know from Shinzo and others, you will be one of the great prime ministers,” 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.

The encounter highlights the ongoing significance of the American-Japanese alliance and paves the way for further cooperation on trade, security, and diplomatic fronts.