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In the course of a latest visit to Tokyo, ex- US President Donald Trump and Japan's new Prime Minister Takaichi exchanged friendly praise and vowed to strengthen the already strong bilateral ties.

Highlights from the Meeting

Donald Trump praised Takaichi as a ‘great’ figure and congratulated her on becoming the nation's first female premier. In their talks at Tokyo's official venue, Trump expressed confidence that Takaichi would become one of the ‘outstanding leaders’ of Japan.

The prime minister, who is a close associate of late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, praised Trump's initiatives to address international disputes and reportedly vowed to nominate Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Economic and Security Deals

Both nations revealed a series of collaborative projects in sectors such as power, AI, and rare earths. Japanese companies are considering funding of up to $400bn in the US.

Additionally, Tokyo had previously committed $550 billion in long-term US investments, financing, and guarantees as part of an agreement to obtain relief from Trump's tariffs.

These actions are seen as possibly reducing any future requests from the US side for Japan to boost its military expenditure. The prime minister addressed this by promising to accelerate proposals to increase defense spending to two percent of GDP.

Other US Politics Developments

• Donald Trump did not rule out to a another term, though it is constitutionally not permitted. Trump stated he ‘would like’ to serve again but would not use a VP workaround.
• A Michigan congresswoman Rashida Tlaib responded to his statements, saying, “Under no circumstances will we allow that.”
• Gavin Newsom suggested he will determine on a 2028 presidential run after the upcoming elections.
• The head of the US biggest government employees union demanded an end to the federal closure, which is now the second longest in US history.
• House Speaker Johnson blasted Democratic leader Jeffries for endorsing a candidate in the New York City mayor’s race.
• The governor of Indiana Braun declared a legislative meeting to reconsider electoral maps.
• Opposition leaders in various regions are considering redistricting in response to Republican efforts.

“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 continued.

The meeting underscores the ongoing significance of the US-Japan alliance and sets the stage for further collaboration on economic, defense, and foreign policy areas.