🔗 Share this article

During a recent trip to Tokyo, former US President Donald Trump and the Japanese new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi shared warm praise and pledged to strengthen the currently strong bilateral ties.

Highlights from the Meeting

Trump praised Takaichi as a ‘exceptional’ figure and applauded her on becoming the nation's first woman prime minister. In their talks at Tokyo's official venue, Trump voiced confidence that she would become one of the ‘outstanding leaders’ of Japan.

Takaichi, who is a close associate of late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, praised Trump's efforts to resolve global disputes and according to sources pledged to put forward him for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Economic and Defense Agreements

Both nations announced a series of collaborative projects in areas such as energy, AI, and rare earths. Japan-based companies are exploring funding of up to $400bn in the United States.

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

Such actions are seen as possibly reducing any future requests from Trump for Japan to increase its defense spending. The prime minister responded to this by committing to accelerate plans to raise military budget to two percent of gross domestic product.

Additional US Politics Updates

• Trump left the door open to a another term, although it is constitutionally impossible. He remarked he ‘would love’ to serve again but won't exploit a VP workaround.
• Michigan congresswoman Rashida Tlaib responded to his comments, saying, “No way in hell we’re going to let that happen.”
• California Governor Newsom indicated he will determine on a White House bid after the upcoming elections.
• The leader of the US largest federal workers union demanded an end to the government shutdown, which is currently the second longest in American history.
• House Speaker Mike Johnson blasted Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries for endorsing a contender in the NYC mayoral election.
• Indiana governor Braun announced a special session to reconsider congressional districts.
• Democratic figures in several states are planning map changes in response to GOP efforts.

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

This meeting underscores the ongoing importance of the US-Japan partnership and sets the stage for further collaboration on economic, defense, and diplomatic fronts.