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In the course of a latest trip to Japan's capital, ex- US President Donald Trump together with Japan's recently elected Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi exchanged warm compliments and pledged to strengthen the already robust bilateral ties.

Key Points from the Meeting

Trump commended Takaichi as a ‘great’ leader and applauded her on assuming the role of the nation's first woman premier. During their talks at the capital's Akasaka Palace, the former president expressed confidence that Takaichi would become one of the ‘outstanding leaders’ of Japan.

The prime minister, identified as a protégée of former Prime Minister Abe, applauded Trump's initiatives to address international disputes and according to sources pledged to put forward him for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Economic and Security Deals

The two nations announced a series of joint initiatives in sectors such as power, AI, and rare earths. Japanese firms are considering investments of up to $400 billion in the US.

Additionally, Tokyo had earlier pledged $550bn in long-term US investments, loans, and assurances as part of an arrangement to secure exemption from Trump's import duties.

Such actions are viewed as possibly easing any future demands from Trump for Tokyo to increase its defense spending. The prime minister responded to this by promising to fast-track proposals to increase military budget to 2% of GDP.

Additional Political 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 won't use a vice presidential workaround.
• Michigan representative Tlaib responded to Trump's statements, declaring, “Under no circumstances will we allow that.”
• Gavin Newsom suggested he will decide on a White House bid after the 2026 midterm elections.
• The leader of the US biggest federal workers union called for an end to the federal closure, which is currently the second-longest in American history.
• House Speaker Mike Johnson blasted Democratic leader Jeffries for supporting a candidate in the NYC mayoral election.
• Indiana governor Mike Braun declared a special session to reconsider electoral maps.
• Opposition leaders in several states are planning map changes in reaction to Republican actions.

“Everything I know from Shinzo and others, you will be one of the great prime ministers,” Donald Trump said to the prime minister. “I’d also like to congratulate you on being the first woman prime minister. It’s a big deal,” he continued.

The encounter underscores the ongoing importance of the US-Japan alliance and paves the way for additional cooperation on trade, security, and foreign policy areas.