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During a recent trip to Tokyo, former US President Trump together with Japan's new Premier Takaichi exchanged friendly compliments and pledged to strengthen the currently strong two-way relations.

Highlights from the Meeting

Trump commended Prime Minister Takaichi as a ‘exceptional’ leader and applauded her on becoming the nation's inaugural female premier. During their talks at Tokyo's Akasaka Palace, the former president voiced optimism that she would prove to be one of the ‘outstanding leaders’ of the country.

Takaichi, who is a close associate of former Japanese leader Abe, applauded his efforts to resolve international disputes and according to sources vowed to nominate him for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Trade and Security Agreements

Both governments announced a list of collaborative initiatives in sectors such as power, artificial intelligence, and critical minerals. Japan-based companies are considering investments of up to $400bn in the US.

Additionally, Tokyo had earlier committed $550 billion in long-term US investments, loans, and assurances as part of an arrangement to secure exemption from the former president's tariffs.

These actions are seen as potentially easing any future requests from Trump for Japan to boost its military spending. The prime minister responded to this by committing to accelerate proposals to raise defense spending to two percent of GDP.

Additional Political Developments

• Donald Trump did not rule out to a third term, though it is legally not permitted. He remarked he ‘would like’ to run again but won't exploit a vice presidential loophole.
• A Michigan congresswoman Rashida Tlaib reacted to his comments, declaring, “Under no circumstances will we allow that.”
• Gavin Newsom suggested he will decide on a 2028 presidential run after the upcoming elections.
• The head of America’s largest government employees union called for an end to the government shutdown, which is now the second-longest in American history.
• House Speaker Johnson criticized opposition figure Jeffries for endorsing a contender in the New York City mayor’s race.
• The governor of Indiana Braun announced a special session to redraw electoral maps.
• Opposition leaders in various states are planning 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 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 meeting underscores the ongoing importance of the American-Japanese partnership and paves the way for additional collaboration on economic, security, and diplomatic fronts.