🔗 Share this article

In the course of a recent trip to Japan's capital, former American leader Donald Trump together with the Japanese recently elected Prime Minister Takaichi shared friendly praise and pledged to strengthen the currently robust two-way ties.

Highlights from the Meeting

Trump praised Takaichi as a ‘great’ leader and applauded her on becoming the nation's first woman prime minister. During their discussions at the capital's Akasaka Palace, Trump expressed confidence that she would become one of the ‘outstanding leaders’ of Japan.

Takaichi, identified as a close associate of former Prime Minister Abe, applauded his efforts to resolve global disputes and according to sources vowed to put forward Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Trade and Defense Agreements

Both governments announced a series of collaborative projects in sectors such as energy, artificial intelligence, and critical minerals. Japan-based firms are considering funding of up to $400bn in the United States.

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

Such moves are seen as possibly reducing any future demands from Trump for Japan to boost its defense expenditure. The prime minister responded to this by promising to accelerate plans to increase defense spending to 2% of GDP.

Additional Political Updates

• Trump left the door open to a third term, although it is legally not permitted. He stated he ‘would love’ to run again but won't exploit a vice presidential workaround.
• Michigan representative Tlaib responded to Trump's statements, declaring, “Under no circumstances will we allow that.”
• California Governor Newsom indicated he will decide on a 2028 presidential run after the 2026 midterm elections.
• The head of America’s biggest federal workers union called for an end to the federal closure, which is currently the second longest in American history.
• House Speaker Johnson blasted Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries for supporting a contender in the New York City mayor’s race.
• The governor of Indiana Braun announced a legislative meeting to reconsider congressional districts.
• Democratic figures in various regions are planning map changes in reaction to GOP efforts.

“Based on what I’ve heard from Shinzo and others, you are destined to be an outstanding prime minister,” 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.

The meeting underscores the continuing importance of the US-Japan partnership and paves the way for further collaboration on trade, defense, and diplomatic areas.