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In the course of a latest visit to Japan's capital, ex- US President Donald Trump together with Japan's new Premier Takaichi shared friendly compliments and vowed to enhance the already robust two-way relations.

Highlights from the Meeting

Donald Trump praised Prime Minister Takaichi as a ‘great’ leader and congratulated her on becoming Japan's inaugural female prime minister. During their discussions at Tokyo's Akasaka Palace, Trump expressed optimism that Takaichi would become one of the ‘great prime ministers’ of the country.

Takaichi, who is a close associate of former Prime Minister Abe, praised Trump's initiatives to address global conflicts and according to sources pledged to nominate Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Economic and Security Agreements

The two governments announced a list of collaborative projects in areas such as energy, artificial intelligence, and rare earths. Japanese companies are exploring funding of up to $400bn in the US.

Furthermore, Japan had earlier committed $550bn in long-term US investments, loans, and assurances as part of an arrangement to obtain exemption from Trump's import duties.

Such actions are viewed as possibly easing any upcoming requests from the US side for Tokyo to boost its defense spending. The prime minister responded to this by committing to accelerate plans to increase military budget to two percent of GDP.

Additional US Politics Developments

• Trump did not rule out to a third term, though it is legally impossible. Trump remarked he ‘would like’ to run again but won't exploit a vice presidential loophole.
• Michigan representative Rashida Tlaib reacted to his comments, 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 government employees union called for an end to the government shutdown, which is currently the second longest in US history.
• House Speaker Mike Johnson blasted Democratic leader Jeffries for endorsing a contender in the NYC mayoral election.
• The governor of Indiana Braun announced a special session to reconsider electoral maps.
• Opposition leaders in several regions are planning map changes in response to Republican actions.

“Based on what I’ve heard from Shinzo and others, you are destined to be an outstanding prime minister,” 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.

The meeting highlights the continuing significance of the American-Japanese alliance and sets the stage for additional cooperation on economic, security, and foreign policy areas.