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During a latest visit to Tokyo, ex- American leader Donald Trump together with the Japanese new Prime Minister Takaichi shared warm compliments and vowed to enhance the currently strong two-way relations.

Key Points from the Meeting

Donald Trump praised Takaichi as a ‘great’ leader and applauded her on assuming the role of the nation's inaugural woman premier. In their talks at the capital's official venue, the former president voiced optimism that Takaichi would become one of the ‘outstanding leaders’ of Japan.

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

Trade and Security Agreements

Both governments announced a series of collaborative projects in areas such as energy, AI, and critical minerals. Japanese firms are considering investments of up to $400bn in the United States.

Furthermore, Tokyo had previously committed $550 billion in strategic American projects, financing, and assurances as part of an agreement to secure exemption from the former president's import duties.

These actions are seen as potentially reducing any future demands from Trump for Japan to increase its defense spending. Takaichi responded to this by committing to fast-track proposals to raise military budget to 2% of GDP.

Additional Political Developments

• Trump left the door open to a third term, though it is constitutionally not permitted. Trump stated he ‘would like’ to serve again but would not use a vice presidential workaround.
• Michigan representative Rashida Tlaib reacted to Trump's comments, saying, “Under no circumstances will we allow that.”
• California Governor Newsom suggested he will determine on a White House bid after the 2026 midterm elections.
• The leader of the US largest government employees union demanded an end to the government shutdown, which is now the second longest in American history.
• House Speaker Johnson criticized Democratic leader Jeffries for endorsing a contender in the New York City mayor’s race.
• Indiana governor Braun announced a legislative meeting to reconsider electoral maps.
• Democratic figures in various states are considering map changes in reaction to GOP actions.

“Based on what I’ve heard from Shinzo and others, you are destined to be an outstanding prime minister,” Donald Trump said to the prime minister. “I also want to congratulate you on becoming the first female prime minister. This is a significant achievement,” he added.

The meeting underscores the continuing importance of the US-Japan partnership and paves the way for further cooperation on trade, security, and diplomatic fronts.