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During a recent trip to Japan's capital, ex- American leader Trump and the Japanese new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi exchanged friendly praise and vowed to strengthen the currently robust bilateral relations.

Highlights from the Meeting

Donald Trump praised Prime Minister Takaichi as a ‘great’ figure and applauded her on assuming the role of the nation's inaugural woman prime minister. In their talks at Tokyo's official venue, the former president expressed confidence that she would become one of the ‘great prime ministers’ of the country.

The prime minister, identified as a protégée of late Japanese leader Abe, praised his initiatives to address international conflicts and reportedly vowed to put forward Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Economic and Security Deals

Both nations announced a list of collaborative projects in areas such as energy, artificial intelligence, and critical minerals. Japan-based firms are exploring funding of up to $400bn in the United States.

Furthermore, Japan had earlier pledged $550 billion in strategic US investments, financing, and guarantees as part of an agreement to secure exemption from the former president's tariffs.

Such moves are viewed as potentially easing any upcoming demands from the US side for Japan to increase its defense spending. Takaichi responded to this by committing to accelerate proposals to increase military budget to 2% of GDP.

Other US Politics Developments

• Donald Trump left the door open to a another term, although it is constitutionally impossible. Trump remarked he ‘would like’ to run again but won't use a VP workaround.
• Michigan representative Rashida Tlaib responded to Trump's comments, declaring, “No way in hell we’re going to let that happen.”
• California Governor Newsom suggested he will decide on a 2028 presidential run after the 2026 midterm elections.
• The leader of America’s biggest federal workers union called for an end to the federal closure, which is now the second-longest in US history.
• House Speaker Johnson blasted Democratic leader Jeffries for supporting a candidate in the New York City mayor’s race.
• Indiana governor Braun announced a special session to redraw electoral maps.
• Democratic leaders in several regions are planning map changes in response to GOP actions.

“Everything I know from Shinzo and others, you will be one of the great prime ministers,” 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 continued.

The meeting underscores the ongoing significance of the US-Japan alliance and paves the way for additional collaboration on economic, security, and foreign policy fronts.