🔗 Share this article

In the course of a latest trip to Japan's capital, ex- American leader Donald Trump together with Japan's recently elected Premier Sanae Takaichi exchanged friendly compliments and pledged to strengthen the already strong two-way relations.

Highlights from the Meeting

Donald Trump commended Prime Minister Takaichi as a ‘exceptional’ leader and applauded her on becoming the nation's inaugural female premier. In their discussions at the capital's official venue, the former president expressed optimism 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 his initiatives to resolve international conflicts and according to sources pledged to put forward him for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Trade and Security Agreements

The two governments revealed a series of collaborative projects in areas such as energy, AI, and critical minerals. Japanese companies are exploring investments of up to $400 billion in the US.

Furthermore, Japan had previously committed $550 billion in strategic US investments, loans, and assurances as part of an arrangement to obtain exemption from the former president's tariffs.

Such moves are viewed as possibly easing any upcoming demands from the US side for Japan to boost its defense spending. The prime minister responded to this by promising to accelerate proposals to increase defense spending 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 run again but won't use a VP workaround.
• Michigan representative Rashida Tlaib reacted to Trump's statements, saying, “No way in hell we’re going to let that happen.”
• California Governor Newsom indicated he will determine on a White House bid after the upcoming elections.
• The leader of the US largest government employees union called for an end to the federal closure, which is now the second-longest in American history.
• House Speaker Mike Johnson criticized Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries for supporting a candidate in the NYC mayoral election.
• Indiana governor Mike Braun announced a legislative meeting to reconsider electoral maps.
• Democratic leaders in various 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 continued.

This meeting underscores the continuing importance of the American-Japanese alliance and sets the stage for additional cooperation on economic, defense, and foreign policy areas.