🔗 Share this article

During a latest trip to Japan's capital, former American leader Donald Trump and Japan's new Premier Sanae Takaichi exchanged friendly compliments and vowed to strengthen the currently robust two-way ties.

Key Points from the Encounter

Donald Trump commended Prime Minister Takaichi as a ‘exceptional’ figure and congratulated her on assuming the role of Japan's inaugural woman prime minister. In their talks at the capital's Akasaka Palace, the former president voiced confidence that Takaichi would prove to be one of the ‘great prime ministers’ of Japan.

Takaichi, identified as a protégée of late Prime Minister Abe, praised his efforts to address global disputes and reportedly vowed to put forward Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Economic and Defense Agreements

Both nations revealed a series of joint projects in areas such as energy, artificial intelligence, and rare earths. Japan-based firms are considering funding of up to $400 billion in the United States.

Furthermore, Japan had previously pledged $550bn in long-term US investments, loans, and assurances as part of an agreement to secure relief from the former president's import duties.

These moves are seen as possibly easing any upcoming requests from the US side for Japan to increase its military expenditure. The prime minister responded to this by promising to accelerate proposals to increase military budget to two percent of gross domestic product.

Other US Politics Developments

• Donald Trump did not rule out to a third term, although it is legally not permitted. Trump remarked he ‘would love’ to serve again but would not exploit a VP loophole.
• Michigan congresswoman Rashida Tlaib responded to Trump's comments, saying, “Under no circumstances will we allow that.”
• California Governor Newsom suggested he will decide on a 2028 presidential run after the upcoming elections.
• The head of the US biggest government employees union called for an end to the federal closure, which is currently the second longest in US history.
• Republican leader Johnson blasted opposition figure Hakeem Jeffries for endorsing a contender in the NYC mayoral election.
• The governor of Indiana Braun announced a special session to redraw electoral maps.
• Democratic leaders in various regions are considering redistricting in response to GOP efforts.

“Based on what I’ve heard from Shinzo and others, you are destined to be an outstanding prime minister,” Trump told the prime minister. “I also want to congratulate you on becoming the first female prime minister. This is a significant achievement,” he added.

This encounter underscores the continuing importance of the US-Japan alliance and paves the way for additional cooperation on economic, security, and foreign policy fronts.