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During a recent visit to Japan's capital, former American leader Donald Trump and Japan's recently elected Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi exchanged friendly praise and pledged to strengthen the currently strong bilateral relations.

Highlights from the Meeting

Trump commended Takaichi as a ‘great’ figure and applauded her on becoming Japan's inaugural woman prime minister. During their discussions at the capital's official venue, Trump voiced optimism that Takaichi would prove to be one of the ‘great prime ministers’ of Japan.

Takaichi, who is a close associate of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, applauded Trump's efforts to resolve global conflicts and according to sources vowed to put forward Trump for the prestigious award.

Trade and Security Deals

The two nations announced a series of joint projects in areas such as power, artificial intelligence, and critical minerals. Japan-based companies are considering investments of up to $400 billion in the US.

Additionally, Tokyo had previously pledged $550 billion in long-term American projects, loans, and guarantees as part of an agreement to obtain exemption from Trump's import duties.

These moves are viewed as possibly easing any upcoming requests from Trump for Tokyo to boost its defense spending. Takaichi responded to this by promising to accelerate proposals to raise defense spending to 2% of GDP.

Additional Political Developments

• Trump did not rule out to a another term, although it is constitutionally impossible. Trump remarked he ‘would like’ to run again but won't use a VP loophole.
• A Michigan congresswoman Rashida Tlaib reacted to his statements, saying, “No way in hell we’re going to let that happen.”
• Gavin Newsom suggested he will decide on a White House bid after the 2026 midterm elections.
• The leader of the US biggest federal workers union called for an end to the government shutdown, which is now the second-longest in US history.
• Republican leader Johnson criticized opposition figure Hakeem Jeffries for endorsing a contender in the New York City mayor’s race.
• Indiana governor Mike Braun announced a legislative meeting to reconsider electoral maps.
• Opposition leaders in several states are planning redistricting in response to GOP efforts.

“Everything I know from Shinzo and others, you will be one of the great prime ministers,” Donald 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 ongoing importance of the US-Japan partnership and paves the way for further cooperation on trade, defense, and diplomatic fronts.