🔗 Share this article

During a recent visit to Tokyo, former American leader Trump together with the Japanese recently elected Prime Minister Takaichi shared friendly praise and vowed to enhance the already robust two-way ties.

Highlights from the Encounter

Donald Trump praised Prime Minister Takaichi as a ‘exceptional’ figure and applauded her on assuming the role of the nation's first woman premier. During their talks at the capital's Akasaka Palace, Trump expressed confidence that she would become one of the ‘great prime ministers’ of the country.

The prime minister, who is a protégée of former Japanese leader Shinzo Abe, praised Trump's initiatives to address international disputes and reportedly pledged to put forward him for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Economic and Defense Deals

The two nations announced a list of collaborative initiatives in areas such as energy, AI, and rare earths. Japan-based firms are considering funding of up to $400 billion in the United States.

Additionally, Tokyo had earlier committed $550bn in strategic US investments, loans, and guarantees as part of an arrangement to obtain exemption from Trump's tariffs.

Such moves are seen as possibly easing any future demands from Trump for Japan to increase its military expenditure. Takaichi responded to this by promising to accelerate proposals to increase defense spending to two percent of gross domestic product.

Other Political Developments

• Trump left the door open to a third term, although it is legally impossible. Trump remarked he ‘would like’ to serve again but would not exploit a vice presidential workaround.
• A Michigan representative Tlaib reacted to his statements, saying, “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 US history.
• House Speaker Mike Johnson criticized opposition figure Hakeem Jeffries for endorsing a candidate in the New York City mayor’s race.
• The governor of Indiana Braun declared a legislative meeting to redraw congressional districts.
• Democratic leaders in various regions are considering redistricting in response to Republican efforts.

“Everything I know from Shinzo and others, you will be one of the great prime ministers,” Trump said to the prime minister. “I also want to congratulate you on becoming the first female prime minister. This is a significant achievement,” he continued.

The encounter underscores the ongoing importance of the American-Japanese alliance and sets the stage for further collaboration on economic, security, and diplomatic fronts.