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In the course of a recent trip to Tokyo, former US President Trump and Japan's new Premier Sanae Takaichi exchanged warm compliments and pledged to strengthen the already strong two-way ties.

Key Points from the Meeting

Trump praised Takaichi as a ‘exceptional’ leader and congratulated her on becoming the nation's first woman premier. In their discussions at Tokyo's official venue, Trump expressed optimism that Takaichi would prove to be one of the ‘great prime ministers’ of the country.

Takaichi, identified as a protégée of former Prime Minister Abe, praised Trump's initiatives to address global disputes and reportedly vowed to nominate Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Trade and Defense Deals

Both governments revealed a series of collaborative initiatives in areas such as power, artificial intelligence, and critical minerals. Japanese companies are exploring funding of up to $400 billion in the US.

Additionally, Tokyo had earlier pledged $550 billion in strategic US investments, financing, and assurances as part of an arrangement to secure relief from Trump's tariffs.

Such moves are viewed as possibly easing any future requests from the US side for Tokyo to increase its defense expenditure. The prime minister responded to this by committing to fast-track plans to raise military budget to 2% of GDP.

Other Political Updates

• Donald Trump left the door open to a third term, although it is constitutionally impossible. Trump stated he ‘would love’ to run again but won't use a vice presidential workaround.
• A Michigan congresswoman Tlaib responded to Trump's comments, declaring, “No way in hell we’re going to let that happen.”
• California Governor Newsom suggested he will determine on a 2028 presidential run after the 2026 midterm elections.
• The head of the US largest government employees union demanded an end to the federal closure, which is now the second-longest in US history.
• House Speaker Mike Johnson criticized Democratic leader Jeffries for supporting a candidate in the NYC mayoral election.
• Indiana governor Braun announced a special session to redraw electoral maps.
• Democratic leaders in various regions are planning map changes in reaction to GOP efforts.

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

The encounter underscores the ongoing significance of the American-Japanese partnership and paves the way for further collaboration on trade, defense, and diplomatic areas.