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In the course of a latest trip to Japan's capital, ex- American leader Donald Trump together with Japan's recently elected Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi exchanged warm praise and pledged to enhance the currently strong two-way relations.

Key Points from the Meeting

Donald Trump praised Takaichi as a ‘exceptional’ leader and applauded her on becoming Japan's inaugural woman prime minister. In their talks at Tokyo's official venue, Trump expressed confidence that she would prove to be one of the ‘outstanding leaders’ of the country.

Takaichi, identified as a close associate of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, applauded Trump's efforts to resolve global conflicts and reportedly pledged to nominate Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Economic and Defense Deals

The two governments announced a series of joint projects in areas such as power, AI, and critical minerals. Japan-based companies are considering funding of up to $400 billion in the US.

Additionally, Tokyo had previously committed $550bn in strategic US investments, loans, and assurances as part of an agreement to obtain exemption from the former president's tariffs.

Such actions are seen as possibly easing any future requests from Trump for Japan to increase its military expenditure. The prime minister addressed this by committing to fast-track proposals to raise defense spending to 2% of gross domestic product.

Other Political Developments

• Trump left the door open to a third term, although it is legally not permitted. Trump remarked he ‘would like’ to serve again but would not exploit a vice presidential loophole.
• A Michigan congresswoman Rashida Tlaib reacted to his statements, saying, “No way in hell we’re going to let that happen.”
• Gavin Newsom suggested he will determine on a 2028 presidential run after the upcoming elections.
• The head of America’s largest government employees union demanded an end to the government shutdown, which is currently the second-longest in US history.
• Republican leader Johnson blasted Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries for supporting a candidate in the New York City mayor’s race.
• Indiana governor Mike Braun declared a special session to reconsider electoral maps.
• Democratic leaders in various regions are considering map changes in response to GOP actions.

“Based on what I’ve heard from Shinzo and others, you are destined to be an outstanding prime minister,” Trump told Takaichi. “I also want to congratulate you on becoming the first female prime minister. This is a significant achievement,” he added.

The meeting highlights the continuing importance of the American-Japanese partnership and paves the way for additional cooperation on economic, defense, and diplomatic areas.