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During a recent visit to Japan's capital, former US President Trump together with the Japanese recently elected Premier Takaichi shared friendly praise and vowed to strengthen the already strong bilateral ties.

Highlights from the Meeting

Trump commended Prime Minister Takaichi as a ‘exceptional’ figure and applauded her on assuming the role of Japan's first female prime minister. During their talks at the capital's official venue, the former president voiced optimism that she would prove to be one of the ‘outstanding leaders’ of the country.

The prime minister, who is a protégée of late Prime Minister Abe, applauded his initiatives to address global conflicts and according to sources pledged to nominate Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Trade and Security Agreements

Both governments revealed a series of collaborative projects in sectors such as energy, artificial intelligence, and critical minerals. Japanese firms are considering investments of up to $400 billion in the US.

Additionally, Tokyo had earlier committed $550bn in long-term American projects, financing, and guarantees as part of an agreement to obtain exemption from Trump's import duties.

Such actions are viewed as potentially reducing any upcoming demands from Trump for Tokyo to boost its military expenditure. Takaichi addressed this by committing to accelerate proposals to increase military budget to 2% of GDP.

Other Political Developments

• Trump left the door open to a third term, though it is constitutionally not permitted. He remarked he ‘would love’ to run again but would not exploit a vice presidential loophole.
• Michigan representative Tlaib responded to Trump's statements, declaring, “No way in hell we’re going to let that happen.”
• California Governor Newsom suggested he will decide on a 2028 presidential run after the 2026 midterm elections.
• The head of America’s largest government employees union demanded an end to the federal closure, which is now the second longest in US history.
• House Speaker Johnson blasted opposition figure Hakeem Jeffries for supporting a contender in the NYC mayoral election.
• The governor of Indiana Braun declared a legislative meeting to reconsider electoral maps.
• Opposition figures in various regions are planning map changes in response to GOP efforts.

“Based on what I’ve heard from Shinzo and others, you are destined to be an outstanding prime minister,” 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 ongoing importance of the American-Japanese alliance and paves the way for additional collaboration on economic, defense, and diplomatic areas.