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During a latest visit to Japan's capital, former American leader Trump together with Japan's new Premier Sanae Takaichi exchanged friendly compliments and vowed to enhance the currently strong bilateral ties.

Highlights from the Meeting

Trump praised Prime Minister Takaichi as a ‘exceptional’ figure and applauded her on becoming the nation's first female prime minister. In their discussions at the capital's official venue, the former president voiced optimism that Takaichi would become one of the ‘great prime ministers’ of Japan.

The prime minister, who is a protégée of late Japanese leader Abe, praised Trump's initiatives to address global conflicts and according to sources vowed to put forward Trump for the prestigious award.

Trade and Defense Agreements

Both governments announced a series of collaborative projects in sectors such as power, artificial intelligence, and rare earths. Japanese companies are considering funding of up to $400bn in the United States.

Furthermore, Tokyo had previously pledged $550 billion in long-term American projects, loans, and assurances as part of an arrangement to obtain exemption from the former president's tariffs.

Such moves are viewed as possibly reducing any upcoming requests from Trump for Japan to boost its military spending. The prime minister responded to this by committing to fast-track plans to increase military budget to two percent of GDP.

Other US Politics Developments

• Donald Trump left the door open to a another term, though it is constitutionally impossible. He remarked he ‘would love’ to run again but would not use a VP workaround.
• A Michigan representative Tlaib responded to his statements, saying, “Under no circumstances will we allow that.”
• California Governor Newsom suggested he will determine on a 2028 presidential run after the 2026 midterm elections.
• The leader of the US largest federal workers union called for an end to the government shutdown, which is currently the second-longest in American history.
• Republican leader Mike Johnson criticized opposition figure Hakeem Jeffries for endorsing a candidate in the NYC mayoral election.
• Indiana governor Braun declared a special session to reconsider electoral maps.
• Opposition leaders in several states are planning redistricting in reaction to GOP efforts.

“Based on what I’ve heard from Shinzo and others, you are destined to be an outstanding prime minister,” Trump told 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 American-Japanese alliance and sets the stage for further cooperation on trade, security, and diplomatic areas.