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In the course of a latest visit to Tokyo, ex- American leader Trump together with Japan's new Premier Takaichi exchanged friendly compliments and pledged to strengthen the currently strong bilateral relations.

Highlights from the Encounter

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

The prime minister, identified as a close associate of late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, applauded Trump's initiatives to resolve international disputes and reportedly vowed to nominate Trump for the prestigious award.

Trade and Security Agreements

Both governments revealed a list of joint initiatives in areas such as power, AI, and rare earths. Japanese firms are exploring investments of up to $400 billion in the United States.

Furthermore, Japan had previously committed $550 billion in long-term American projects, financing, and assurances as part of an arrangement to secure relief from the former president's tariffs.

These actions are viewed as potentially reducing any upcoming requests from the US side for Japan to increase its defense expenditure. The prime minister addressed this by committing to accelerate proposals to increase military budget to 2% of gross domestic product.

Other Political Updates

• Donald Trump left the door open to a third term, though it is constitutionally not permitted. He remarked he ‘would like’ to serve again but would not use a vice presidential loophole.
• Michigan congresswoman Rashida Tlaib responded to Trump's 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 federal workers union demanded an end to the government shutdown, which is now the second longest in American history.
• Republican leader Mike Johnson blasted Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries for supporting a contender in the NYC mayoral election.
• The governor of Indiana Braun declared a special session to redraw electoral maps.
• Opposition figures in various regions are considering map changes in response to Republican actions.

“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.

This meeting underscores the ongoing importance of the US-Japan alliance and sets the stage for additional collaboration on trade, security, and diplomatic fronts.