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In the course of a recent trip to Japan's capital, former US President Donald Trump and Japan's recently elected Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi exchanged warm compliments and pledged to enhance the already strong bilateral ties.

Highlights from the Encounter

Donald Trump commended Takaichi as a ‘great’ leader and applauded her on assuming the role of Japan's inaugural woman prime minister. During their discussions at Tokyo's official venue, Trump expressed confidence that she would become one of the ‘outstanding leaders’ of Japan.

The prime minister, who is a protégée of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, praised Trump's efforts to address international conflicts and according to sources pledged to nominate him for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Trade and Security Deals

Both governments announced a series of joint initiatives in areas such as power, artificial intelligence, and critical minerals. Japanese companies are exploring funding of up to $400 billion in the US.

Additionally, Tokyo had earlier committed $550bn in strategic American projects, financing, and assurances as part of an arrangement to secure exemption from the former president's import duties.

Such moves are viewed as potentially reducing any upcoming demands from the US side for Japan to increase its military spending. Takaichi responded to this by committing to accelerate plans to raise military budget to two percent of gross domestic product.

Other Political Updates

• Donald Trump left the door open to a another term, though it is constitutionally not permitted. He remarked he ‘would like’ to serve again but won't use a vice presidential workaround.
• A Michigan congresswoman Rashida Tlaib reacted to his comments, saying, “Under no circumstances will we allow that.”
• Gavin Newsom suggested he will determine on a White House bid after the 2026 midterm elections.
• The leader of the US biggest government employees union demanded an end to the federal closure, which is now the second longest in American history.
• House Speaker Mike Johnson criticized opposition figure Jeffries for supporting a contender in the NYC mayoral election.
• The governor of Indiana Mike Braun announced a special session to redraw congressional districts.
• Opposition figures in several states are considering map changes in reaction to GOP actions.

“Everything I know from Shinzo and others, you will be one of the great prime ministers,” Donald Trump told Takaichi. “I also want to congratulate you on becoming the first female prime minister. This is a significant achievement,” he continued.

This meeting underscores the continuing importance of the American-Japanese partnership and paves the way for additional cooperation on economic, security, and foreign policy fronts.