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In the course of a recent visit to Tokyo, ex- US President Trump together with Japan's recently elected Prime Minister Takaichi exchanged warm compliments and pledged to strengthen the currently strong bilateral relations.

Highlights from the Encounter

Donald Trump praised Takaichi as a ‘great’ figure and congratulated her on assuming the role of the nation's inaugural female prime minister. In their discussions at the capital's Akasaka Palace, the former president voiced optimism that she would become one of the ‘great prime ministers’ of the country.

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

Economic and Defense Deals

Both governments announced a list of collaborative projects in areas such as power, AI, and rare earths. Japanese firms are exploring investments of up to $400 billion in the US.

Additionally, Tokyo had previously committed $550 billion in long-term American projects, loans, and assurances as part of an arrangement to secure relief from Trump's tariffs.

Such moves are viewed as possibly reducing any upcoming demands from Trump for Tokyo to boost its defense spending. The prime minister addressed this by committing to accelerate proposals to increase military budget to two percent of GDP.

Additional US Politics Developments

• Donald Trump left the door open to a third term, though it is constitutionally impossible. Trump stated he ‘would love’ to serve again but would not exploit a vice presidential loophole.
• Michigan congresswoman Tlaib responded to Trump's statements, saying, “Under no circumstances will we allow that.”
• Gavin Newsom suggested he will decide on a White House bid after the 2026 midterm elections.
• The leader of America’s largest government employees union demanded an end to the government shutdown, which is now the second longest in US history.
• Republican leader Mike Johnson blasted Democratic leader Jeffries for endorsing a candidate in the NYC mayoral election.
• The governor of Indiana Mike Braun declared a special session to reconsider electoral maps.
• Democratic leaders in various states are considering map changes in response to GOP efforts.

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

This meeting highlights the continuing importance of the American-Japanese partnership and sets the stage for additional cooperation on trade, security, and foreign policy areas.