🔗 Share this article

During a recent trip to Tokyo, former American leader Trump together with Japan's recently elected Premier Sanae Takaichi shared warm compliments and vowed to enhance the currently strong bilateral relations.

Key Points from the Meeting

Donald Trump commended Prime Minister Takaichi as a ‘great’ leader and congratulated her on becoming the nation's first female prime minister. In their talks at the capital's Akasaka Palace, Trump expressed optimism that Takaichi would prove to be one of the ‘outstanding leaders’ of Japan.

The prime minister, who is a protégée of former Japanese leader Shinzo Abe, applauded Trump's initiatives to resolve international disputes and according to sources pledged to nominate him for the prestigious award.

Economic and Security Deals

Both governments announced a list of joint projects in areas such as power, artificial intelligence, and rare earths. Japan-based companies are exploring investments of up to $400 billion in the United States.

Furthermore, Japan had previously committed $550bn in long-term American projects, financing, and assurances as part of an arrangement to secure exemption from Trump's import duties.

Such moves are seen as potentially easing any future demands from the US side for Tokyo to increase its defense spending. Takaichi addressed this by committing to fast-track proposals to increase military budget to 2% of GDP.

Other Political Updates

• Trump did not rule out to a third term, although it is constitutionally impossible. Trump stated he ‘would love’ to serve again but would not use a vice presidential loophole.
• A Michigan representative Tlaib reacted to Trump's statements, declaring, “Under no circumstances will we allow that.”
• Gavin Newsom suggested he will decide on a 2028 presidential run after the upcoming elections.
• The leader of the US largest government employees union called for an end to the federal closure, which is currently the second-longest in American history.
• House Speaker Mike Johnson criticized Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries for supporting a candidate in the New York City mayor’s race.
• Indiana governor Braun declared a legislative meeting to reconsider electoral maps.
• Democratic leaders in various regions are considering map changes in response to GOP actions.

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

The encounter underscores the continuing significance of the US-Japan alliance and sets the stage for further collaboration on trade, defense, and diplomatic fronts.