🔗 Share this article

In the course of a recent visit to Japan's capital, ex- US President Donald Trump and the Japanese new Prime Minister Takaichi exchanged friendly compliments and vowed to enhance the currently robust bilateral ties.

Highlights from the Encounter

Trump praised Prime Minister Takaichi as a ‘exceptional’ figure and congratulated her on assuming the role of Japan's first female prime minister. During their discussions at the capital's Akasaka Palace, Trump voiced optimism that Takaichi would prove to be one of the ‘outstanding leaders’ of the country.

The prime minister, who is a protégée of late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, praised Trump's efforts to address global disputes and according to sources vowed to put forward him for the prestigious award.

Trade and Defense Deals

The two nations revealed a series of collaborative initiatives in areas such as energy, artificial intelligence, and critical minerals. Japanese companies are considering investments of up to $400 billion in the United States.

Additionally, Japan had previously committed $550bn in long-term American projects, loans, and guarantees as part of an agreement to secure relief from the former president's import duties.

These actions are seen as possibly easing any future requests from the US side for Tokyo to boost its defense spending. The prime minister responded to this by committing to accelerate proposals to increase defense spending to two percent of gross domestic product.

Additional Political Developments

• Donald Trump left the door open to a another term, though it is legally impossible. Trump remarked he ‘would love’ to serve again but won't exploit a vice presidential loophole.
• Michigan congresswoman Tlaib responded to Trump's comments, saying, “Under no circumstances will we allow that.”
• California Governor Newsom indicated he will determine on a 2028 presidential run after the upcoming elections.
• The leader of America’s largest federal workers union called for an end to the federal closure, which is currently the second-longest in US history.
• House Speaker Johnson blasted Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries for supporting a contender in the New York City mayor’s race.
• The governor of Indiana Mike Braun declared a special session to reconsider electoral maps.
• Democratic figures in several states are considering map changes in response 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 Takaichi. “I also want to congratulate you on becoming the first female prime minister. This is a significant achievement,” he added.

The encounter underscores the continuing importance of the American-Japanese partnership and paves the way for further cooperation on trade, defense, and foreign policy areas.