🔗 Share this article

In the course of a latest visit to Tokyo, former American leader Donald Trump and Japan's recently elected Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi exchanged friendly compliments and vowed to strengthen the already strong two-way ties.

Key Points from the Encounter

Trump commended Takaichi as a ‘great’ figure and congratulated her on assuming the role of the nation's inaugural woman premier. In their talks at the capital's official venue, Trump expressed optimism that Takaichi would prove to be one of the ‘outstanding leaders’ of Japan.

Takaichi, identified as a protégée of late Japanese leader Abe, praised his initiatives to address international disputes and reportedly vowed to put forward him for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Trade and Security Deals

The two governments announced a list of joint projects in areas such as power, artificial intelligence, and critical minerals. Japan-based companies are exploring funding of up to $400bn in the United States.

Additionally, Tokyo had earlier pledged $550 billion in long-term American projects, financing, and assurances as part of an agreement to obtain relief from Trump's import duties.

These actions are seen as potentially easing any upcoming demands from the US side for Tokyo to increase its defense expenditure. The prime minister addressed this by committing to accelerate proposals to increase defense spending to two percent of gross domestic product.

Other Political Developments

• Donald Trump left the door open to a third term, though it is constitutionally impossible. Trump remarked he ‘would like’ to serve again but would not use a VP loophole.
• Michigan congresswoman Rashida Tlaib reacted to Trump's statements, saying, “Under no circumstances will we allow that.”
• Gavin Newsom suggested he will decide on a 2028 presidential run after the upcoming elections.
• The head of the US largest government employees union called for an end to the federal closure, which is now the second longest in US history.
• Republican leader Mike Johnson criticized opposition figure Hakeem Jeffries for endorsing a candidate in the NYC mayoral election.
• Indiana governor Mike Braun declared a legislative meeting to redraw electoral maps.
• Democratic leaders in several regions are considering map changes in response to GOP actions.

“Based on what I’ve heard from Shinzo and others, you are destined to be an outstanding prime minister,” Donald Trump told Takaichi. “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 importance of the American-Japanese alliance and paves the way for further cooperation on economic, defense, and diplomatic areas.