Trump and Japan's New Premier Exchange Praise and Vow to Strengthen ‘Extraordinary’ Bond

In the course of a recent trip to Tokyo, former US President Trump and Japan's recently elected Premier Sanae Takaichi shared friendly compliments and vowed to strengthen the already robust bilateral ties.

Key Points from the Encounter

Donald Trump commended Prime Minister Takaichi as a ‘great’ leader and applauded her on assuming the role of the nation's inaugural female premier. In their discussions at Tokyo's Akasaka Palace, Trump voiced optimism that Takaichi would become one of the ‘outstanding leaders’ of Japan.

The prime minister, who is a protégée of former Japanese leader Abe, applauded his initiatives to resolve global disputes and according to sources vowed to nominate Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Economic and Security Deals

Both governments announced a series of joint initiatives in areas such as power, artificial intelligence, and critical minerals. Japanese firms are exploring investments of up to $400bn in the United States.

Additionally, Tokyo had earlier pledged $550 billion in long-term American projects, loans, and guarantees as part of an arrangement to secure relief from Trump's tariffs.

These moves are viewed as possibly reducing any future demands from the US side for Japan to increase its military spending. The prime minister responded to this by committing to accelerate plans to increase military budget to two percent of GDP.

Additional US Politics Updates

• Trump left the door open to a third term, though it is legally not permitted. He stated he ‘would like’ to serve again but would not use a VP workaround.
• A Michigan congresswoman Tlaib reacted to his statements, saying, “No way in hell we’re going to let that happen.”
• California Governor Newsom indicated he will determine on a 2028 presidential run after the upcoming elections.
• The leader of the US biggest federal workers union demanded an end to the government shutdown, which is now the second-longest in US history.
• House Speaker Johnson blasted opposition figure Hakeem Jeffries for supporting a contender in the NYC mayoral election.
• The governor of Indiana Braun declared a special session to redraw electoral maps.
• Opposition leaders in several regions are considering map changes in reaction to Republican efforts.

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

This meeting underscores the ongoing significance of the American-Japanese alliance and paves the way for additional cooperation on economic, security, and diplomatic areas.