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In the course of a latest trip to Japan's capital, former US President Trump and the Japanese recently elected Premier Takaichi exchanged friendly praise and pledged to enhance the currently strong two-way ties.

Highlights from the Encounter

Trump commended Takaichi as a ‘great’ figure and congratulated her on becoming Japan's first woman prime minister. In their discussions at the capital's Akasaka Palace, Trump expressed optimism that she would prove to be one of the ‘great prime ministers’ of the country.

Takaichi, who is a close associate of late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, applauded his efforts to address global conflicts and according to sources vowed to put forward Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Trade and Security Deals

The two nations revealed a list of joint projects in areas such as power, AI, and rare earths. Japanese firms are considering investments of up to $400bn in the US.

Furthermore, Japan had previously pledged $550bn in strategic American projects, financing, and assurances as part of an arrangement to secure exemption from Trump's tariffs.

These moves are viewed as possibly reducing any future demands from the US side for Tokyo to boost its defense expenditure. The prime minister addressed this by committing to accelerate proposals to raise defense spending to 2% of gross domestic product.

Other US Politics Updates

• Trump left the door open to a another term, although it is constitutionally not permitted. Trump remarked he ‘would love’ to serve again but would not use a vice presidential workaround.
• Michigan congresswoman Rashida Tlaib reacted to his statements, declaring, “No way in hell we’re going to let that happen.”
• Gavin Newsom suggested he will decide on a 2028 presidential run after the upcoming elections.
• The head of the US largest federal workers union called for an end to the federal closure, which is currently the second-longest in American history.
• Republican leader Johnson blasted opposition figure Jeffries for supporting a contender in the NYC mayoral election.
• Indiana governor Mike Braun declared a special session to reconsider congressional districts.
• Democratic figures in several states are considering redistricting in response to GOP efforts.

“Based on what I’ve heard from Shinzo and others, you are destined to be an outstanding prime minister,” Trump said to 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 continuing significance of the American-Japanese alliance and paves the way for further cooperation on economic, security, and foreign policy fronts.