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In the course of a latest trip to Tokyo, former US President Donald Trump together with Japan's recently elected Prime Minister Takaichi shared friendly praise and pledged to strengthen the currently strong bilateral relations.

Highlights from the Meeting

Donald Trump commended Prime Minister Takaichi as a ‘great’ figure and applauded her on becoming Japan's inaugural woman premier. During their talks at Tokyo's official venue, the former president expressed confidence that she would become one of the ‘great prime ministers’ of Japan.

Takaichi, identified as a close associate of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, applauded his initiatives to resolve global disputes and according to sources pledged to put forward him for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Economic and Defense Agreements

Both governments revealed a list of collaborative projects in sectors such as energy, artificial intelligence, and rare earths. Japan-based companies are exploring investments of up to $400 billion in the US.

Additionally, Tokyo had previously pledged $550 billion in strategic US investments, loans, and assurances as part of an arrangement to obtain exemption from Trump's import duties.

These actions are viewed as possibly reducing any upcoming demands from Trump for Japan to increase its defense spending. Takaichi responded to this by committing to accelerate proposals to raise defense spending to 2% of gross domestic product.

Other Political Updates

• Donald Trump did not rule out to a third term, although it is constitutionally impossible. Trump stated he ‘would love’ to serve again but won't exploit a vice presidential loophole.
• Michigan congresswoman Tlaib responded to Trump's statements, declaring, “Under no circumstances will we allow that.”
• California Governor Newsom suggested he will decide on a White House bid after the 2026 midterm elections.
• The head of America’s largest federal workers union called for an end to the government shutdown, which is now the second-longest in American history.
• House Speaker Mike Johnson blasted Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries for endorsing a contender in the NYC mayoral election.
• The governor of Indiana Mike Braun declared a legislative meeting to redraw congressional districts.
• Democratic figures in various regions are considering redistricting in reaction to GOP efforts.

“Based on what I’ve heard from Shinzo and others, you are destined to be an outstanding prime minister,” Trump told the prime minister. “I’d also like to congratulate you on being the first woman prime minister. It’s a big deal,” he continued.

This encounter underscores the ongoing importance of the US-Japan alliance and paves the way for additional collaboration on economic, defense, and diplomatic fronts.