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In the course of a latest trip to Japan's capital, former American leader Trump and the Japanese new Premier Sanae Takaichi shared warm praise and pledged to enhance the currently strong bilateral ties.

Highlights from the Meeting

Trump praised Takaichi as a ‘exceptional’ figure and congratulated her on assuming the role of Japan's inaugural woman prime minister. In their talks at Tokyo's Akasaka Palace, the former president voiced confidence that she would become one of the ‘outstanding leaders’ of Japan.

The prime minister, who is a protégée of late Japanese leader Abe, praised his efforts to address international conflicts and reportedly vowed to put forward him for the prestigious award.

Economic and Defense Agreements

The two governments announced a series of collaborative projects in sectors such as energy, AI, and rare earths. Japanese companies are exploring investments of up to $400bn in the United States.

Furthermore, Japan had previously committed $550 billion in strategic American projects, loans, and assurances as part of an agreement to obtain exemption from Trump's import duties.

These moves are viewed as potentially easing any upcoming demands from the US side for Tokyo to boost its defense spending. The prime minister responded to this by committing to fast-track plans to raise military budget to two percent of GDP.

Additional Political Developments

• Donald Trump left the door open to a another term, though it is constitutionally not permitted. Trump remarked he ‘would love’ to run again but would not exploit a VP loophole.
• Michigan congresswoman Tlaib reacted to his statements, declaring, “Under no circumstances will we allow that.”
• Gavin Newsom suggested he will decide on a 2028 presidential run after the 2026 midterm elections.
• The leader of America’s biggest government employees union demanded an end to the federal closure, which is currently the second longest in American history.
• Republican leader Johnson blasted Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries for supporting a contender in the New York City mayor’s race.
• The governor of Indiana Braun declared a legislative meeting to redraw electoral maps.
• Opposition figures in various regions are planning redistricting in reaction to Republican actions.

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

This encounter underscores the continuing importance of the American-Japanese alliance and paves the way for further collaboration on trade, defense, and foreign policy fronts.