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During a latest trip to Tokyo, ex- American leader Trump together with Japan's recently elected Premier Takaichi shared friendly compliments and pledged to strengthen the already strong two-way relations.

Highlights from the Meeting

Trump commended Takaichi as a ‘exceptional’ figure and congratulated her on becoming Japan's inaugural female premier. In their discussions at Tokyo's official venue, the former president voiced optimism that Takaichi would become one of the ‘great prime ministers’ of the country.

Takaichi, identified as a protégée of former Japanese leader Shinzo 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

The two governments revealed a list of joint projects in sectors such as energy, AI, and rare earths. Japan-based companies are considering investments of up to $400 billion in the United States.

Additionally, Tokyo had earlier committed $550bn in long-term American projects, financing, and assurances as part of an agreement to secure exemption from the former president's tariffs.

These actions are seen as potentially easing any upcoming demands from the US side for Tokyo to boost its defense expenditure. Takaichi addressed this by promising to accelerate plans to increase defense spending to 2% of gross domestic product.

Additional US Politics Developments

• Donald Trump left the door open to a third term, although it is constitutionally impossible. He remarked he ‘would like’ to serve again but would not use a vice presidential loophole.
• A Michigan representative Rashida Tlaib reacted to Trump's comments, saying, “No way in hell we’re going to let that happen.”
• Gavin 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 now the second-longest in US history.
• Republican leader Johnson blasted opposition figure Jeffries for supporting a candidate in the NYC mayoral election.
• The governor of Indiana Braun declared a legislative meeting to redraw electoral maps.
• Opposition leaders in various regions are planning redistricting in reaction to GOP efforts.

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