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In the course of a latest trip to Tokyo, former US President Trump and Japan's recently elected Premier Takaichi shared warm compliments and vowed to strengthen the currently strong bilateral ties.

Key Points from the Meeting

Donald Trump commended Prime Minister Takaichi as a ‘exceptional’ figure and applauded her on becoming Japan's first woman prime minister. In their talks at Tokyo's Akasaka Palace, Trump expressed confidence that she would prove to be one of the ‘great prime ministers’ of Japan.

Takaichi, who is a close associate of late Japanese leader Shinzo Abe, applauded his efforts to address global conflicts and reportedly vowed to put forward him for the prestigious award.

Economic and Defense Agreements

Both nations revealed a series of joint projects in areas such as power, AI, and critical minerals. Japanese companies are exploring funding of up to $400bn in the United States.

Furthermore, Japan had earlier committed $550 billion in strategic US investments, loans, and assurances as part of an arrangement to obtain relief from Trump's import duties.

Such moves are seen as potentially reducing any upcoming requests from Trump for Tokyo to boost its defense spending. Takaichi responded to this by promising to fast-track plans to increase defense spending to 2% of GDP.

Other US Politics Updates

• Trump did not rule out to a third term, though it is legally not permitted. He stated he ‘would like’ to serve again but would not exploit a vice presidential loophole.
• A Michigan representative Rashida Tlaib responded to Trump's comments, saying, “Under no circumstances will we allow that.”
• Gavin Newsom suggested he will determine on a White House bid after the upcoming elections.
• The leader of America’s largest government employees union demanded an end to the federal closure, which is now the second-longest in American history.
• Republican leader Mike Johnson blasted Democratic leader Jeffries for endorsing a candidate in the NYC mayoral election.
• The governor of Indiana Braun declared a special session to reconsider congressional districts.
• Democratic figures in various states are considering redistricting in response to GOP actions.

“Based on what I’ve heard from Shinzo and others, you are destined to be an outstanding prime minister,” 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 meeting highlights the continuing significance of the American-Japanese partnership and sets the stage for further cooperation on economic, defense, and diplomatic fronts.