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During a latest trip to Japan's capital, ex- US President Trump and Japan's new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi shared warm compliments and pledged to enhance the already robust bilateral relations.

Key Points from the Encounter

Donald Trump praised Prime Minister Takaichi as a ‘great’ figure and applauded her on becoming the nation's first female prime minister. In their discussions at Tokyo's official venue, the former president voiced confidence that she would become one of the ‘great prime ministers’ of the country.

Takaichi, identified as a protégée of late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, praised his efforts to address international disputes and reportedly vowed to put forward him for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Trade and Defense Agreements

Both governments revealed a list of joint projects in sectors such as energy, AI, and critical minerals. Japan-based companies are considering investments of up to $400bn in the United States.

Additionally, Tokyo had previously pledged $550 billion in strategic US investments, loans, and guarantees as part of an arrangement to obtain relief from the former president's tariffs.

These actions are viewed as possibly reducing any future requests from the US side for Japan to increase its military expenditure. The prime minister responded to this by promising to accelerate proposals to raise defense spending to 2% of gross domestic product.

Other Political Updates

• Trump left the door open to a another term, though it is constitutionally not permitted. Trump stated he ‘would like’ to serve again but would not use a vice presidential loophole.
• A Michigan representative Tlaib reacted to Trump's statements, declaring, “No way in hell we’re going to let that happen.”
• Gavin Newsom suggested he will decide on a 2028 presidential run after the 2026 midterm elections.
• The head of America’s largest federal workers union demanded an end to the government shutdown, which is currently the second-longest in US history.
• Republican leader Mike Johnson criticized opposition figure Hakeem Jeffries for endorsing a candidate in the NYC mayoral election.
• Indiana governor Mike Braun declared a special session to reconsider congressional districts.
• Democratic figures in several states are considering redistricting in response to GOP efforts.

“Everything I know from Shinzo and others, you will be one of the great prime ministers,” Trump said to the prime minister. “I’d also like to congratulate you on being the first woman prime minister. It’s a big deal,” he continued.

This meeting highlights the ongoing importance of the American-Japanese alliance and paves the way for additional cooperation on trade, defense, and foreign policy areas.