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During a recent visit to Tokyo, former US President Trump together with the Japanese recently elected Prime Minister Takaichi shared friendly compliments and vowed to enhance the currently strong bilateral relations.

Key Points from the Meeting

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

The prime minister, who is a close associate of former Japanese leader Abe, praised his initiatives to address international disputes and reportedly pledged to nominate Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Economic and Security Agreements

Both nations revealed a list of joint projects in areas such as power, AI, and critical minerals. Japan-based companies are exploring funding of up to $400bn in the US.

Additionally, Tokyo had previously pledged $550bn in long-term US investments, financing, and guarantees as part of an arrangement to secure relief from Trump's import duties.

These actions are viewed as potentially reducing any future demands from the US side for Japan to increase its military spending. The prime minister addressed this by committing to fast-track proposals to raise defense spending to 2% of gross domestic product.

Additional Political Developments

• Trump did not rule out to a another term, although it is legally impossible. Trump stated he ‘would like’ to run again but would not use a VP workaround.
• Michigan congresswoman Tlaib reacted to his comments, declaring, “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 the US largest government employees union demanded an end to the federal closure, which is currently the second longest in US history.
• Republican leader Mike Johnson blasted opposition figure Hakeem Jeffries for supporting a candidate in the NYC mayoral election.
• The governor of Indiana Mike Braun declared a special session to reconsider electoral maps.
• Democratic figures in several states are planning redistricting in response to GOP efforts.

“Everything I know from Shinzo and others, you will be one of the great prime ministers,” Trump said to Takaichi. “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 significance of the American-Japanese alliance and paves the way for additional cooperation on trade, defense, and foreign policy areas.