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During a recent trip to Tokyo, ex- US President Trump together with the Japanese new Prime Minister Takaichi shared warm praise and pledged to strengthen the currently robust two-way relations.

Highlights from the Meeting

Trump praised Prime Minister Takaichi as a ‘great’ leader and applauded her on becoming Japan's first woman premier. In their talks at the capital's official venue, the former president voiced optimism that Takaichi would prove to be one of the ‘outstanding leaders’ of the country.

Takaichi, identified as a close associate of former Japanese leader Abe, praised his efforts to address global disputes and according to sources vowed to nominate him for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Economic and Defense Agreements

Both nations revealed a series of collaborative initiatives in areas such as power, AI, and critical minerals. Japanese firms are exploring investments of up to $400bn in the United States.

Additionally, Tokyo had earlier committed $550bn in strategic American projects, financing, and guarantees as part of an arrangement to secure relief from Trump's import duties.

Such moves are viewed as potentially reducing any future demands from Trump for Tokyo to boost its defense spending. The prime minister responded to this by promising to accelerate plans to increase military budget to two percent of GDP.

Other Political Developments

• Trump left the door open to a another term, although it is constitutionally impossible. He remarked he ‘would love’ to run again but would not exploit a VP loophole.
• Michigan congresswoman Rashida Tlaib responded to his statements, saying, “No way in hell we’re going to let that happen.”
• Gavin Newsom indicated he will determine on a White House bid after the 2026 midterm elections.
• The leader of America’s largest government employees union called for an end to the federal closure, which is now the second longest in American history.
• House Speaker Johnson blasted Democratic leader Jeffries for supporting a contender in the NYC mayoral election.
• The governor of Indiana Mike Braun announced a legislative meeting to redraw electoral maps.
• Opposition leaders in several regions are planning map changes in response to Republican actions.

“Everything I know from Shinzo and others, you will be one of the great prime ministers,” Donald 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 underscores the continuing significance of the American-Japanese partnership and sets the stage for further cooperation on trade, security, and diplomatic fronts.